Seventeen Countries Call for Hamas Disarmament, Gaza Unification

In an unprecedented move, several Arab nations including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, alongside the Arab League, the European Union, and 17 other countries, have called for Hamas to disarm and relinquish control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, advocating for a two-state solution. This unified stance was expressed in the 'New York Declaration' and supported at a UN conference, which also condemned both Hamas's attacks on Israel and Israel's military actions causing severe humanitarian crises in Gaza. The UN has condemned Israel's ongoing violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank, labeling its presence illegal and calling for an immediate end to displacement and settler violence. Meanwhile, the UN special rapporteur on torture highlighted the escalating starvation and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, urging all parties to ensure unimpeded aid delivery and respect for international law. Criticism has also been directed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's continued maximalist campaign in Gaza, which has led to massive destruction and loss of Palestinian lives, with some accusing Israel of war crimes and genocide. Despite international calls for ceasefire and humanitarian relief, the US and Israel have so far resisted pressure to end the conflict or significantly ease the blockade.