As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second inauguration on January 20, the international community remains focused on one of the most entrenched conflicts in modern history—the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. In the lead-up to this milestone, key diplomatic events underscore growing international support for a two-state solution and efforts to secure a peaceful resolution that addresses the plight of Palestine refugees.
Oslo’s Pivotal Meeting for the Two-State Solution
On January 14, 2025, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Oslo will host the third meeting of the global coalition advocating for the two-state solution. This important gathering, set for January 17, will bring together prominent figures from around the world to discuss tangible steps towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The meeting will feature Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, and Norwegian UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East, Tor Wennesland. Their discussions will revolve around advancing the two-state solution, a long-standing goal supported by the international community for decades.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide emphasized the urgency of collective action, noting that “If we are to continue working to end war, we must also strive for a lasting solution to the conflict that ensures self-determination, security, and justice for both Palestinians and Israelis.” The goal is not only to end the violence but also to ensure a peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect for each nation’s sovereignty.
The coalition meeting will take place amid growing concerns over the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, where the Palestinian population continues to endure hardship. More than 80 countries and organizations are expected to participate, marking a crucial moment in the international push for peace.
UNRWA’s Critical Role in Preserving Palestinian Identity
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) continues to be a vital entity in this context. Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, recently highlighted the agency’s role in safeguarding the identity and history of Palestine refugees. Speaking on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of UNRWA’s establishment, Lazzarini praised the organization’s efforts to preserve vital records, including family archives from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
“The Agency’s family archives for Palestine refugees have been kept and preserved for the past 75 years,” Lazzarini remarked. These archives are essential for protecting the rights of Palestinian refugees under international law. Thanks to dedicated UNRWA teams, thousands of archival files have been digitized, making them accessible and safe for future generations. This effort is crucial, as it allows for the continued protection of Palestinian rights under international law, while also providing an essential link to their cultural and historical identity.
As Trump’s administration gears up for a new term, global efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are gathering momentum. The preservation of these archives by UNRWA represents more than just the safeguarding of historical records; it is an ongoing effort to secure justice for displaced Palestinians and ensure that their voices are heard on the global stage.
Diplomatic Efforts in Qatar: A Fragile Ceasefire
Meanwhile, in the Gulf, negotiations in Qatar are reaching their final stages. Reports from Israeli news outlets suggest that the current round of talks may culminate in a ceasefire agreement for Gaza. According to the latest reports, a delegation from the Islamic Jihad movement has arrived in Doha to finalize details of the ceasefire, which has received the green light from Israeli authorities.
If successful, the agreement would lead to the release of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, alongside the return of numerous Gazans currently detained by Israel. While these talks represent a step toward easing tensions in Gaza, the larger question of a lasting peace agreement remains unresolved. Experts caution that while temporary ceasefire agreements can provide immediate relief, they do not address the underlying issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, such as the status of Jerusalem, borders, and the rights of refugees.
Trump’s Role: A Complex Diplomatic Landscape
As Trump prepares to take office for a second term, the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, alongside broader regional dynamics, presents both challenges and opportunities for US foreign policy. Throughout his first term, Trump was known for his unilateral approach to international diplomacy, including recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and withdrawing the U.S. from international agreements like the Iran nuclear deal.
However, as the international community rallies behind a two-state solution, Trump’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will likely shape his second-term foreign policy. Critics of Trump’s approach, including Democratic lawmakers and international leaders, argue that his policies have disproportionately favored Israeli interests, often at the expense of Palestinian rights.
Ahead of his inauguration, Trump’s transition team has signaled that he may take a more pragmatic approach in his second term. Whether this translates into renewed efforts to broker peace or continued alignment with Israeli hardliners remains to be seen. The Oslo meeting, which underscores the international commitment to a two-state solution, may influence the direction of US diplomacy, especially as global pressure continues to mount for the United States to play a more balanced role in peace negotiations.
The Path Forward: A Global Coalition for Peace
The third meeting of the global coalition in Oslo is a clear signal that the international community is committed to advancing the two-state solution and ending the decades-long conflict. Despite the challenges, there is growing consensus that a diplomatic resolution is not only possible but necessary for the stability of the Middle East and the broader world.
