Seven -page document – and a political message about explosive strength: Arab states in New York For the first time, they officially demand the end of Hamas's rule in the Gaza Strip. Not behind closed doors. Not between the lines. But clearly, in writing signed by you such as Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Türkiye – all known so far as silent intermediaries rather than Hamas critics. Where does this sudden change of course come from?
In the “New York Declaration”, a statement issued during a UN conference, 17 signatories not only condemn the Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, 2023. They also demand that The Islamic organization laid a weapon And she passed the power of the Palestinian autonomy under the leadership of Mahmud Abbas – with the support of international stabilization forces.
According to the expert for the Middle East Reinhard Schulze from the University of Bern, this is not a sudden change of position, but a visible change in order. “It became clear a few weeks ago that Arab countries are demanding not only the release of hostages, but also the ending of the military and political power of Hamas,” says Schulze. – The declaration from New York confirms this black and white, and most importantly, it is supported by a wide geopolitical alliance.
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In addition to the Arab countries, Western democracies such as France, Great Britain and Canada were also among the signatories. Israel and the United States did not take part in the conference. This is a clear alliance between the EU and the Arab league against Hamas. For Schulze, this is a clear sign: – For the first time in a long time between the Arab world and Europe, a significant partnership of interest emerges – without taking into account the interests of the United States.
Salt in the eye of Arab countries
The change does not come from the West, but from the inside. Countries like Qatar have long tried to meditate between Israel and Hamas. Now, however, they show the Islamic organization a red card. Why? “Hamas tried to put pressure even on his mediators,” explains Schulze. Qatar reacted negatively to this pressure. “And Saudi Arabia has been giving a tone for a long time,” he notes. Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, follow her, and Türkiye more and more often.
Hamas fighters patrol the street in the central part of the Gaza Zone, February 8, 2025.Eyad Baba / AFP / East News
Added to this is ideological split. Hamas's religious ultranationalism is a salt in the eye of many Arab countries: too radical, too destructive for the state. Who wants stability, needs control – not Islamistic militias. In this way, the Palestinian autonomy is again in the spotlight. In the future, it is also to manage gauze. She is already responsible for the West Bank today.
Room or Illusion?
Is this a naive dream? Maybe. But optimism is not unfounded. “Arab states have signed a declaration not only because they are convinced, but also because they see a chance to implement it,” says Schulze. In combination with the announcements of France, Great Britain and Spain that in September they recognize the Palestinian state, a two -state solution becomes real again.
Another UN General Assembly will take place on September 9. There, the document is to be officially accepted. Until then, more countries can join the group of signatories. For a long time weapons spoke in the Middle East – wars in Syria, the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Iran – But now diplomatic actions can come to the fore.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
