Among the most powerful addresses during the opening session was that of Christiaan Rebergen, Secretary-General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Quoting Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish — “I tell myself, a Moon will rise from my night” — Rebergen spoke of the unbearable suffering of the Palestinian people and affirmed that the time for resignation is over; now is the time for collective determination.
“We all agree on what the final solution must be: a negotiated two-state solution — two states living side by side in peace and security,” he declared firmly.
A Clear Rejection of the Status Quo
Rebergen emphasized that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace, stability, and security for all parties. He described the Rabat meeting, though held under bleak circumstances, as a fragile but persistent light, and a rejection of despair in the face of the ongoing deadlock.
“This gathering reflects our resolve to lay the foundations of a peaceful future, stone by stone,” he said.
The Dutch diplomat insisted that the Alliance must deliver tangible results — concrete, actionable, and measurable steps that can truly impact lives on the ground. He highlighted the importance of analyzing past peace processes to extract valuable lessons for the future.
Pragmatism as a Path Forward
Rebergen recalled the initiatives undertaken by the Netherlands in the framework of Israeli-Palestinian technical negotiations prior to the October 7 escalation. Although not strategic in scope, these discussions in key sectors — such as energy, water, and trade — yielded concrete outcomes. He cited the installation of scanners at Gaza crossings, which facilitated trade while addressing Israeli security concerns. This, he noted, was proof that pragmatism can drive peace forward on the ground.
Rebuilding Trust: Cornerstone of Peace
However, he also acknowledged the limits of those efforts:
“These initiatives did not reach their full potential due to a lack of trust between the parties.”
Therefore, Rebergen made a solemn appeal to all peace actors to now focus on the slow and methodical rebuilding of mutual trust, which he described as the cornerstone of any lasting solution.
He urged participants to intensify their efforts to create a climate conducive to dialogue through concrete, even modest, but continuous gestures.
By hosting the work of this international alliance, Morocco reaffirms its role as a major diplomatic hub in the region, and its ongoing commitment — under the leadership of King Mohammed VI — to a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the Middle East.