The former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Juan Manuel Santos, has reaffirmed his stance on one of the most contentious geopolitical issues of our time: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Speaking at the High-Level International Conference organized by the United Nations on “The Peaceful Resolution of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution,” Santos advocated strongly for the recognition of Palestine as a state.
As a prominent member of The Elders, an independent group of global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela, Santos used his platform to issue a powerful call to action. “Recognizing the State of Palestine can be a transformative step toward peace, especially at a time when the region is ravaged by a devastating war,” he stated emphatically. His remarks come amid renewed violence and a global debate over the path to a lasting resolution in the Middle East.
Why Is Santos Advocating for Recognition Now?
Santos urged UN member states that have yet to recognize Palestine to act decisively. He praised French President Emmanuel Macron for his recent announcement that France will recognize Palestine, encouraging the United Kingdom to follow suit to build momentum behind the initiative. According to Santos, this recognition is not about taking sides but about fostering equity and creating the necessary conditions for sustainable peace.
“When I made the decision to recognize Palestine back in 2018, it wasn’t about favoring one side over the other,” Santos explained. “It was about contributing to conditions of fairness, convinced then—as I am now—that it is ultimately in the best interest of both Palestinians and Israelis.”
The context in which Santos originally made that decision—at the end of his presidency—was rooted in his diplomatic philosophy that long-term peace requires acknowledgment of rights and mutual respect. That belief continues to drive his advocacy today.
Lessons from Colombia’s Peace Process
Santos is perhaps best known internationally for brokering the peace deal that ended more than five decades of armed conflict with the FARC guerrilla group in Colombia. His leadership in that effort earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2016 and solidified his reputation as a statesman committed to dialogue and reconciliation.
Drawing parallels between Colombia’s experience and the Middle East conflict, Santos addressed the complexities of dealing with armed groups like Hamas. “The issue of when and how Hamas should disarm is absolutely critical,” he said. “I know from personal experience how delicate and essential that process can be.”
He emphasized that prolonged conflicts cannot be resolved through military means alone. “From Colombia’s conflict with the FARC and other armed groups, I learned that war can seem easier than peace. But true and lasting peace demands political will, courage, and a commitment to inclusive negotiation.”
Could Statehood Be a Turning Point for Peace in the Middle East?
Santos concluded his remarks with a call to reframe the international approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “The right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state must be recognized, just as the people of Israel have the right to live in peace alongside their neighbors,” he insisted.
His position reflects a broader trend among global diplomats and peace advocates who argue that state recognition could lay the groundwork for renewed negotiations and accountability. While critics argue that premature recognition may complicate the situation, Santos maintains that without equal standing, any dialogue will be inherently flawed.
The two-state solution, long endorsed by the UN and many international actors, remains elusive. Yet voices like Santos’s underscore a growing impatience with the status quo and a call for bold moves that prioritize peace over politics. Whether this renewed momentum will translate into action remains to be seen, but the message is clear: peace is not only necessary—it’s still possible.
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