Two-state solution

Extracted Attributes

• Goal

  Establishment of an independent State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel.

• Definition

  A proposed approach to resolving the Israeli–Palestinian conflict by creating two states on the territory of the former Mandatory Palestine.

• Key Territories

  West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem

• De Facto Reality

  One-state reality akin to apartheid, with Israeli occupation of the West Bank and blockade of the Gaza Strip

• Alternative Concept

  One-state solution

• Core Points of Contention

  Specific boundaries (often based on 1967 lines), status of Jerusalem, Israeli settlements, right of return for Palestinian refugees

• Current Status of Negotiations

  No two-state solution proposal being negotiated between Israel and Palestinians

Timeline

• The British Peel Commission formally suggested the first proposal for separate Jewish and Arab states in the territory of Mandatory Palestine. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)

  1937

• The United Nations General Assembly adopted a partition plan for Palestine, leading to the 1948 Palestine war. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia, DBPedia)

  1947

• Israel was established on the area the UN had proposed for the Jewish state, as well as almost 60% of the area proposed for the Arab state. Israel took control of West Jerusalem. Jordan took control of East Jerusalem and what became known as the West Bank. The Gaza Strip was occupied by Egypt. (Source: Wikipedia)

  1948

• Following the Six-Day War, both the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and Gaza Strip were militarily occupied by Israel, becoming known as the Palestinian territories. (Source: Wikipedia, Web Search)

  1967

• A UN resolution on the 'Peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine' called for 'two States, Israel and Palestine … side by side within secure and recognized borders'. (Source: DBPedia)

  1974

• The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) accepted the concept of a two-state solution at the Arab Summit in Fez, based on an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia, DBPedia)

  1982

• The Madrid Conference took place, marking a diplomatic effort to realize a two-state solution. (Source: DBPedia)

  1991

• The Oslo Accords were signed, representing a significant diplomatic effort towards a two-state solution. (Source: Summary, DBPedia)

  1993

• The Camp David Summit failed to reach an agreed two-state solution, forming the backdrop to the commencement of the Second Intifada. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia, DBPedia)

  2000

• The Taba Summit negotiations took place as a diplomatic effort following the failed Camp David Summit. (Source: Wikipedia, DBPedia)

  2001

• The Arab League proposed the Arab Peace Initiative, which included a two-state solution as its basis. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia, DBPedia)

  2002

• An unofficial Geneva peace accord was promulgated by prominent Israelis and Palestinians. (Source: Web Search)

  2003

• Israel withdrew its settlers and troops from Gaza while retaining control over its borders, seashore, and airspace. (Source: Web Search)

  2005

• At the Annapolis Conference, the PLO, Israel, and the US agreed on a two-state solution as the outline for negotiations, though the summit failed to achieve an agreement. (Source: Web Search)

  2007-11

• The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution granting Palestine the status of non-member observer State in the United Nations. (Source: Web Search)

  2012-11-29

• A UN resolution on the 'Peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine' was passed 165 to 6, with Israel and the United States voting against. (Source: DBPedia)

  2013-11

• Peace talks were held between Israel and Palestinians, which ultimately failed by 2014. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia, DBPedia)

  2013

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his objection to a Palestinian state. (Source: Wikipedia)

  2015

• Hamas announced their revised charter, claiming to accept the idea of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, but without recognizing the statehood of Israel. (Source: Wikipedia)

  2017

• A survey of experts found that 52% believe that the two-state solution is no longer achievable. (Source: DBPedia)

  2021

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his objection to a Palestinian state. (Source: Wikipedia)

  2023

• The October 7th attacks occurred, and the subsequent Gaza war spurred renewed international discussions on a two-state solution. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia, Related Documents)

  2023-10-07

• Former Israeli prime ministers Ehud Barak and Ehud Olmert expressed support for a two-state solution. (Source: Wikipedia)

  2023

• Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide co-chaired a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to launch a global alliance for a two-state solution. (Source: Wikipedia)

  2024-09-26

• A High-Level International Conference took place at UN Headquarters, adopting a final outcome document entitled 'New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and Implementation of the Two-State Solution'. (Source: Web Search)

  2025-07-28

• The resumed UN Conference concluded with the endorsement of the 'New York Declaration' on the peaceful settlement of the Question of Palestine and implementation of the Two-State Solution. (Source: Web Search)

  2025-09-22

Two-state solution

The two-state solution is a proposed approach to resolving the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, by creating two states on the territory of the former Mandatory Palestine. It is often contrasted with the one-state solution, which is the establishment a single state in former Mandatory Palestine with equal rights for all its inhabitants. The two-state solution is supported by many countries and the Palestinian Authority. Israel currently does not support the idea, though it has in the past. The first proposal for separate Jewish and Arab states in the territory was made by the British Peel Commission report in 1937. In 1947, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a partition plan for Palestine, leading to the 1948 Palestine war. As a result, Israel was established on the area the UN had proposed for the Jewish state, as well as almost 60% of the area proposed for the Arab state. Israel took control of West Jerusalem, which was meant to be part of an international zone. Jordan took control of East Jerusalem and what became known as the West Bank, annexing it the following year. The territory which became the Gaza Strip was occupied by Egypt but never annexed. Since the 1967 Six-Day War, both the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and Gaza Strip have been militarily occupied by Israel, becoming known as the Palestinian territories. The Palestine Liberation Organization has accepted the concept of a two-state solution since the 1982 Arab Summit, on the basis of an independent Palestinian state based in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. In 2017, Hamas announced their revised charter, which claims to accept the idea of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, but without recognising the statehood of Israel. Diplomatic efforts have centred around realizing a two-state solution, starting from the failed 2000 Camp David Summit and the Clinton Parameters, followed by the Taba Summit in 2001. The failure of the Camp David summit to reach an agreed two-state solution formed the backdrop to the commencement of the Second Intifada, the violent consequences of which marked a turning point among both peoples’ attitudes. A two-state solution also formed the basis of the Arab Peace Initiative, the 2006–2008 peace offer, and the 2013–14 peace talks. Currently there is no two-state solution proposal being negotiated between Israel and Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority supports the idea of a two-state solution; Israel at times has also supported the idea, but currently rejects the creation of a Palestinian state. Long-serving Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his objection to a Palestinian state on two occasions, in 2015 and 2023. Former Israeli prime ministers Ehud Barak and Ehud Olmert in late 2023 expressed support for a two-state solution. Public support among Israelis and Palestinians (measured separately) for "the concept of the two-state solution" have varied between above and below 50%, partially depending on how the question was phrased. The major points of contention include the specific boundaries of the two states (though most proposals are based on the 1967 lines), the status of Jerusalem, the Israeli settlements and the right of return of Palestinian refugees. Observers have described the current situation in the whole territory, with the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and blockade of the Gaza Strip, as one of de facto Israeli sovereignty. The two-state solution is an alternative to the one-state solution and what observers consider a de facto one-state reality. Following the October 7 attacks and the subsequent Gaza war, multiple governments restarted discussions on a two-state solution. This received pushback from Israel's government, especially from prime minister Netanyahu. On 26 September 2024, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide co-chaired a meeting of representatives of about 90 countries, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, to launch a global alliance for a two-state solution.

Web Search Results

• Two-state solution - Wikipedia

  The two-state solution is a proposed approach to resolving the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, by creating two states on the territory of the former Mandatory Palestine. It is often contrasted with the one-state solution, which is the establishment a single state in former Mandatory Palestine with equal rights for all its inhabitants. The two-state solution is supported by many countries and the Palestinian Authority. Israel currently does not support the idea, though it has in the past. [...] At the Annapolis Conference in November 2007, three major parties – The PLO, Israel, and the US – agreed on a two-state solution as the outline for negotiations. However, the summit failed to achieve an agreement.[citation needed] [...] | Proposals One-state solution: + IsratinElon Peace Plan Two-state solution: + Fahd PlanAllon PlanArab Peace InitiativeGeneva InitiativeLieberman PlanIsraeli Peace InitiativePalestinian Prisoners' DocumentTrump Peace Plan Three-state solution Israeli unilateral plans: + HafradaDisengagementRealignment Others + Palestinian Emirates Plan |

• Israel and the Palestinians: History of the conflict explained - BBC

  The "two-state solution" is an internationally backed formula for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. It proposes an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, with East Jerusalem as its capital. It would exist alongside Israel. Israel rejects a two-state solution. It says any final settlement must be the result of negotiations with the Palestinians, and statehood should not be a precondition. [...] UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted to "revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution". French President Emmanuel Macron said "the time for peace has come" and that "nothing justifies the ongoing war in Gaza". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the moves, saying they rewarded Hamas for the 7 October attack. Israel says it has a historical right to the West Bank and opposes an independent Palestinian state, saying it would pose an unacceptable threat. [...] They are descendants of the Palestinians who fled or were forced from their homes on land which became Israel in the 1948-49 Middle East war. Most live in Jordan, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Syria and Lebanon. Palestinians insist on the right of refugees to return but Israel has refused this. It criticises the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, Unrwa, for allowing refugee status to be inherited by successive generations. What is the two-state solution?

• Explainer: what is the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian ...

  ## What is the two-state solution? The two-state solution refers to a plan to create a Palestinian state separate from the state of Israel. The goal is to address Palestinian claims to national self-determination without undermining Israel’s sovereignty. [...] The kind of statehood referred to in the two-state solution, known as state sovereignty in international politics, is the authority given to the government of a nation within and over its borders. [...] However, following the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel captured and occupied the West Bank and Gaza, along with East Jerusalem and Golan Heights. Most current discussions of the two-state solution now refer to creating two states along “the pre-1967 borders”. This would mean the new Palestinian state would consist of the West Bank prior to Israeli settlement, and Gaza. How Jerusalem would be split, if at all, has been a significant point of contention in this plan. ## Why is statehood so important?

• History of the Question of Palestine - the United Nations

  released a Road Mapto a two-State solution. An unofficial Geneva peace accord was promulgated by prominent Israelis and Palestinians in 2003. In 2005, Israel withdrew its settlers and troops from Gaza while retaining control over its borders, seashore and airspace. Following Palestinian legislative elections of 2006, the Quartet conditioned assistance to the PA on its commitment to nonviolence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements. After an armed takeover of Gaza by [...] From 28 to 30 July 2025, a High-Level International Conference took place in the UN Headquarters which adopted a final outcome document entitled“_New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and Implementation of the Two-State Solution_”(A/CONF.243/2025/1). On 12 September, the General Assembly adopted a resolution by 142 votes in favor to 10 against (12 abstained) endorsing the “New York Declaration.” On 22 September 2025, the resumed Conference concluded with [...] The General Assembly adopted a resolution granting to Palestine the status of non-member observer State in the United Nations. The vote was 138 for, 9 against, with 41 abstentions. Mahmoud Abbas (front centre), President of the Palestinian Authority, with his delegation in the General Assembly Hall following the Assembly’s decision. 29 November 2012. United Nations, New York. UN Photo. Gaza war, International Court of Justice, Two-State Solution Conference

• UN votes to back two-state solution to Israel-Palestinian conflict

  # U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly votes for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict / CBS/AP The United Nations' General Assembly overwhelmingly voted on Friday to support a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict and urge Israel to commit to a Palestinian state. [...] The resolution was sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, who co-chaired a high-level conference on implementing a two-state solution in late July, where the wording of the declaration was agreed. [...] The 193-member world body approved a nonbinding resolution endorsing the "New York Declaration," which sets out a phased plan to end the nearly 80-year conflict. The vote was 142-10 with 12 abstentions. The United States was one of the 10 states that voted against. Hours before the vote, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "There will be no Palestinian state."

• Instance Of

  Q4167410

The two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict envisions an independent State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel, west of the Jordan River. The boundary between the two states is still subject to dispute and negotiation, with Palestinian and Arab leadership insisting on the "1967 borders", which is not accepted by Israel. The territory of the former Mandate Palestine (including West Jerusalem) which did not form part of the Palestinian State would continue to be part of Israel. In 1947, the United Nations General Assembly adopted United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, which was rejected by Arab leaders. In 1974, a UN resolution on the "Peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine" called for "two States, Israel and Palestine … side by side within secure and recognized borders" together with "a just resolution of the refugee question in conformity with UN resolution 194". The borders of the state of Palestine would be "based on the pre-1967 borders". The latest resolution, in November 2013, was passed 165 to 6, with 6 abstentions; with Israel and the United States voting against. The Palestinian leadership has embraced the concept since the 1982 Arab Summit in Fez. Israel views moves by Palestinian leaders to obtain international recognition of a State of Palestine as being unilateral action by the Palestinians and inconsistent with a negotiated two-state solution. It was reported in 2009 that although polls had consistently shown Israeli and Palestinian majorities in favor of a negotiated two-state settlement, there was "growing disillusionment" with a two-state solution. In 2014, 60% of Palestinians said the final goal of their national movement should be "to work toward reclaiming all of historic Palestine from the river to the sea". A poll published in 2021 by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research revealed that only 39% of Palestinians support the two-state solution. Another report published in 2021 by the RAND Corporation found that Israelis across the political spectrum opposed a two-state solution. There have been many diplomatic efforts to realize a two-state solution, starting from the 1991 Madrid Conference. There followed the 1993 Oslo Accords and the failed 2000 Camp David Summit followed by the Taba negotiations in early 2001. In 2002, the Arab League proposed the Arab Peace Initiative. The latest initiative, which also failed, was the 2013–14 peace talks. A 2021 survey of experts found that 52 percent believe that the two-state solution is no longer achievable. 77 percent believe that if not achieved, the result would be a "one-state reality akin to apartheid". According to a 2021 PCPSR poll, support for a two-state solution among Palestinians and Israeli Jews, as of 2021, has declined to 43 percent and 42 percent, respectively. According to Middle East experts David Pollock and Catherine Cleveland, as of 2021, the majority of Palestinians say they want to reclaim all of historic Palestine, including pre-1967 Israel. A one-state solution with equal rights for Arabs and Jews is ranked second.