Global leaders urge ceasefire in Gaza, push for two-state solution

Global leaders have intensified calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged Israel to ease restrictions on humanitarian aid amid the worsening crisis in the region. 

France has announced its readiness to fully recognize the State of Palestine, while Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof warned of possible actions against Israel, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the "intolerable" humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Two-state solution

On Monday, a high-level international conference for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, opened at the UN headquarters.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgency of realizing a two-state solution, calling the conference "a rare and indispensable opportunity." He stressed that the gathering "can and must serve as a decisive turning point – one that catalyzes irreversible progress toward ending the occupation and achieving the shared goal of a viable two-state solution."

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot also highlighted the significance of the two-state solution. He announced that France is prepared to formally recognize the State of Palestine by September, and emphasized that the only alternative to regional conflict is a peaceful resolution with both Israel and Palestine living side by side in security.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa called for Hamas to end its rule in Gaza, urging the group to surrender its weapons to Palestinian authorities. He added that Palestine is ready to invite international and regional forces to deploy in Gaza as part of a mission to stabilize and protect the region.

Gaza situation is 'absolutely intolerable'

U.S. President Donald Trump and UK's Starmer agreed that urgent action is needed to bring an end to the suffering in Gaza, according to a statement from the British government, after the leaders met in Scotland on Monday.  

At a press conference later, Trump expressed disagreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that there is no starvation in Gaza.

"Some of those kids are, that's real starvation stuff. I see it, and you can't fake that."

Trump also said Israel should ensure aid is delivered. "I want them to make sure they get the food, every ounce of food," he stated, adding that the aid food "is not being delivered, or at least all of it."

Starmer said the situation in Gaza is "absolutely intolerable" and seeing the images of starving children is "revolting."

Dutch PM warns of action

On social media platform X, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof warned on Monday that the Dutch government may take measures against Israel if agreements to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza are not upheld.

Earlier this month, the European Union (EU) reached a deal with Israel aimed at facilitating greater humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. That agreement is set to be reviewed on Tuesday by EU member states. Should Israel be found to have fallen short in its commitments, further actions could be taken at the EU level.

The Dutch prime minister indicated that the Netherlands is also prepared to take unilateral steps if necessary.

"We are also considering national measures to increase the pressure," Schoof warned, adding that he had conveyed this message directly to Israeli President Isaac Herzog during a phone call on Monday.

"The government's goal is crystal clear: the people in Gaza must have immediate, unhindered, and safe access to humanitarian aid," Schoof wrote.

Humanitarian crisis

Amid growing international pressure over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, Israeli authorities on Saturday allowed humanitarian aid to be airdropped into the conflict-ravaged Gaza Strip and unveiled plans to establish designated humanitarian corridors to facilitate the safe movement of United Nations convoys within Gaza.

A UN spokesman said on Monday that the amount of food aid reaching hungry Gazans following Israel's opening of avenues of access is only a slight uptick.

Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that only about 100 truckloads of aid entered the Gaza Strip on Sunday, which is about one-fifth of what should be getting through.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that out of 17 missions requiring coordination with Israeli authorities on Sunday, only eight were facilitated, including the collection of fuel and supplies. Four missions, including the uplift of food cargo, were impeded but accomplished.

The office said the long-standing restrictions on the entry of aid have created an unpredictable environment, leading to a lack of confidence by communities that aid will reach them. It reiterated the urgency of a permanent ceasefire to provide adequate assistance and aid.

"Israeli authorities must open all crossings and corridors to ensure the delivery of aid in an equitable and dignified manner," it said.

The World Food Programme said it has enough food in the region or en route to feed the starving population for about three months, while the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees reported that 6,000 trucks in Jordan and Egypt were waiting to enter Gaza.

The World Health Organization said that July was the worst month for deaths linked to malnutrition, with more than 85 percent of malnutrition-related deaths recorded in 2025. Nearly one in five children under the age of 5 in Gaza City is acutely malnourished.

Facing increasing international pressure, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said on Monday that Israel would continue to work with international agencies, as well as with the United States and European nations, to ensure the delivery of large quantities of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

"While the situation in Gaza is difficult and Israel has been working to ensure aid delivery, Hamas benefits from attempting to fuel the perception of a humanitarian crisis," the statement read.

Netanyahu threats to annex Gaza

Israel-Hamas talks over a ceasefire deal have reached a deadlock. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported on Monday night that Netanyahu has given Hamas a few days to agree to a ceasefire, or Israel will begin to gradually annex parts of the Gaza Strip until Hamas surrenders.

According to the report, Netanyahu is pursuing this course of action to maintain the support of the far-right faction in his government, which opposes both a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. Keeping the faction in the coalition is critical for Netanyahu to prevent his government from collapsing.

In his discussions with ministers, Netanyahu said the plan had been approved by the Trump administration, according to the newspaper.

(With input from agencies)