Higgins emphasizes the need for ‘serious’ negotiations on two-state solution in Middle East – The Irish Times

President Michael D. Higgins has urged the international community to engage in “serious, crucial negotiations” to bring about a two-state solution in the Middle East following months of conflict.

In a statement on Sunday looking ahead to 2024, Mr. Higgins emphasized that the achievement of all major global goals depends on cooperation between nations. “We must prioritize cooperation in all of our interactions. When wars and conflicts seem never-ending, humanity suffers. Cooperation, not war, is the natural state of humanity. We cannot stand by indifferently as we witness the daily loss of life on our screens.

Mr Higgins pointed to the “horrific violence and loss of life” in the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th, followed by the “devastation caused by the Israeli response” in Gaza as a compelling reason to reaffirm the necessity of a two-state solution.

“However, for this to have meaning, there is a need to move beyond a theoretical commitment and resume specific negotiations on how this can be achieved,” he said. “I hope that the international community will soon come together to start the serious, crucial negotiations that will be required in the time ahead.”

The President mentioned some essential elements requiring cooperation, including the capacity of the Palestinian state to produce and release its products to the market unhindered.

Other elements for cooperation include air, sea, and land sovereignty for Palestine; the status of East Jerusalem; and the sovereignty that would enable the Palestinian state to join international organizations. “All nations have a responsibility to redouble their efforts for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and to work towards accomplishing a lasting peace that allows the Palestinian people to realize their rights alongside those of a secure Israel.”