For the first time, all 22 member nations of the Arab League have jointly called for Hamas to disarm, release hostages, and end its rule in Gaza, conditions they say could help pave the way for a Palestinian state. The declaration, also signed by European Union states and others, was made at a United Nations conference focused on a two-state solution. The statement urges the deployment of an international stabilization mission in Gaza and calls for Hamas to hand control to the Palestinian Authority. While Hamas welcomed international support for Palestinian rights, it did not directly address the demand to disarm, instead calling for reforms and elections within Palestinian institutions. The conference drew broad international support for a Palestinian state, but Israel and the United States criticized the move as premature, citing ongoing conflict and security concerns. Several countries, including France and Britain, have announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state if progress is not made by September, as a new declaration outlining a phased peace process circulates among United Nations members.