Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa told a high-level United Nations meeting on 28 July that Hamas must disarm and relinquish its 17-year control of the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority. Speaking at a conference dedicated to reviving a two-state solution, Mustafa said the step was essential to restore security and enable reconstruction after nearly two years of war. A day later, diplomats at the gathering adopted the “New York Declaration,” which echoes Mustafa’s appeal. The document calls for an immediate cease-fire, the swift delivery of unconditional humanitarian aid, and the creation of a transitional administrative committee for Gaza under the Palestinian Authority once hostilities end. It also condemns attacks on civilians by both Hamas and Israeli forces and rejects any forced demographic changes in the enclave. The declaration, backed by several Arab and European states, states that Gaza is an integral part of a future Palestinian state and urges coordinated efforts toward a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Mustafa added that an international security presence could help guarantee implementation of the plan, while France and other countries signaled they may formally recognize Palestinian statehood at the U.N. General Assembly in September.