‘We Stand With Palestine’: Tanzania Reaffirms Two-State Solution at UNGA

Tanzania has reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian people and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi saying the country remains deeply concerned by the continuing humanitarian suffering in Gaza.

Ndejembi made the remarks while representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he addressed the continuing conflict in Gaza and the wider Middle East crisis. Tanzania’s Vice President arrived in New York on September 22 to represent Samia at the UNGA.

“Mr. President, Tanzania is deeply concerned and saddened by the protracted conflict and humanitarian suffering in Gaza and across the Middle East,” Ndejembi said.

He called for the protection of civilians, unrestricted humanitarian assistance and renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace.

Tanzania, he said, remains committed to a two-state solution under which Israel and Palestine would live side by side in peace and security, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

Ndejembi also reaffirmed Tanzania’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, saying a lasting settlement must protect the dignity, security and legitimate aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis.

“We have been consistent on this for the past 50 years. For us, this is a matter of our foreign policy principles,” he said.

The position is consistent with Tanzania’s stated foreign-policy principles, which include support for freedom, justice, human rights and democracy, as well as support for the United Nations in promoting international peace and security. Tanzania’s UN mission also lists support for oppressed peoples and the struggle against colonialism, racism and neo-colonialism among the country’s foreign-policy principles.

Tanzania has repeatedly supported a negotiated two-state settlement. In a previous statement to the United Nations on the Gaza crisis, the country called for an end to hostilities and humanitarian access while supporting Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.

Ndejembi’s intervention comes as the Gaza conflict continues to dominate international discussions at this year’s General Assembly, with governments debating humanitarian access, civilian protection, Palestinian self-determination and the prospects for a lasting political settlement.

For Tanzania, the Vice President’s remarks place the Gaza issue within a foreign-policy position the government says it has maintained for decades, rather than presenting it as a new diplomatic shift.

Alongside the Middle East issue, Ndejembi used his UNGA address to call for reforms to the international financial system and the United Nations and formally announced Tanzania’s intention to seek a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029–2030 term.