Palestinian Foreign Minister: Peace Impossible While Israel Continues to Violate Palestinian Rights
Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shaheen has affirmed that peace with Israel will not be achieved as long as violations of Palestinian rights continue.
Speaking to Anadolu on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Sunday, 15 February 2026, Shaheen stated that the current situation does not yet reflect a genuine commitment towards a peaceful resolution.
“Peace with Israel amid continuous violations of Palestinian rights is impossible to achieve,” Shaheen said.
She stressed the importance of upholding international law and halting unilateral measures. According to her, various Israeli actions in the occupied territories — including in the West Bank and East Jerusalem — such as the expansion and legalisation of illegal settlements, are increasingly diminishing the prospects for a negotiated solution.
“Everything Israel does unilaterally in the occupied territories must be considered null and void,” she asserted, adding that annexation constitutes a violation of international law and is among the actions that must be stopped.
Gaza Ceasefire in Focus
Shaheen also discussed developments regarding the ceasefire in Gaza. She expressed Palestine’s readiness to enter the second phase, though its implementation depends on the comprehensive fulfilment of first-phase commitments.
“We want to move into the second phase, but we need to ensure that the obligations of the first phase have been fulfilled,” she said.
The first phase encompasses the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, while the second phase focuses on the reconstruction of Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage from prolonged conflict.
According to Shaheen, the current situation remains a partial ceasefire. Humanitarian aid has not yet entered in line with needs, and the opening of the Rafah crossing remains limited. She stressed the need for additional steps to ensure a smooth transition to the next stage.
In the context of international diplomacy, Shaheen called for more decisive action from the global community, referring to United Nations resolutions and international rulings that declare settlements and occupation as illegal.
She also responded to questions regarding her calls for Germany and Finland to follow other European nations in recognising Palestine. According to her, such recognition is merely awaiting the right political momentum in each country.
“If you support a two-state solution and believe in international law, then you need to recognise Palestine. There is no reason not to do so,” she said.