UK, Australia, Canada Launch Peace Fund for Two-State Solution Efforts

The United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada have launched a new International Peace Fund to bolster initiatives aimed at achieving a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel. Announced on Thursday, June 11, the fund is a multi-donor effort designed to support peacebuilding projects that foster the conditions for a lasting resolution.

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Today, we the Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada are pleased to announce that we will establish a new International Peace Fund for Israelis and Palestinians, a multi-donor initiative to support peacebuilding efforts to establish the conditions for a lasting peace.

Foreign Ministers from the three nations revealed the fund during high-level talks in the UK, where they also discussed regional security and conflict resolution. The initiative will primarily back grassroots organizations working to advance mutual understanding and dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. This approach acknowledges that while international diplomacy is crucial, local community efforts are vital for building trust and peace.

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Peace, justice and security in the Middle East depends on a two-state solution and it is why our countries have recognised the State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel.

Each of the three founding countries will contribute an initial sum equivalent to £1 million (US$1.3 million) over three years. The fund is open to additional contributions from international partners who share the goal of advancing the peace process. The ministers reiterated their firm belief that a negotiated two-state solution remains the only viable path to enduring peace and security in the Middle East, emphasizing that their recognition of the State of Palestine alongside Israel underscores this commitment.

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But too often Middle East peace is seen as an issue only of international diplomacy. When generations of Israelis and Palestinians have grown up with cycles of conflict and violence, we also need to support the local community organisations who are building dialogue, peace and trust across communities.