A significant UN conference aimed at establishing a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians, originally set for June 17-20, has been postponed due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, as announced by French President Emmanuel Macron. France and Saudi Arabia were slated to co-chair this critical event in New York, which the Palestinian Authority hoped would reinvigorate the stalled peace process.
Despite the postponement, Macron reaffirmed his commitment to recognising Palestine as a state at some point in the future. He indicated that the gathering was delayed for logistical and security reasons, highlighting that some Palestinian representatives were unable to attend. Macron assured that the conference would be rescheduled as soon as possible, revealing ongoing discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding a new date.
In a broader context, Macron has been advocating for increased international recognition of a Palestinian state, alongside a recognition of Israel’s right to defend itself. Following recent Israeli military actions targeting Iran, he stated that French military forces stationed in the region are prepared to protect local partners, including Israel, but would not engage in offensive actions against Iran.
The UN ambassadors from France and Saudi Arabia, in a joint letter to the 193 UN member states, attributed the conference’s delay to current Middle Eastern circumstances inhibiting the attendance of regional leadership. They emphasised their commitment to resume the conference at the earliest opportunity, which would initially convene to facilitate its suspension.
One of the primary objectives of the conference was to bolster the number of nations recognising Palestinian territories as an independent state. So far, over 145 of the 193 UN member countries have extended such recognition. The Palestinians envision their state to comprise Gaza and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem designated as its capital.
Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opposed the idea of creating a Palestinian state and has declined to participate in the conference. Macron remarked that various conflicts in the region, including the Israel-Iran tensions and the Gaza war, are interconnected and require a coordinated approach to address the humanitarian situation of Palestinians comprehensively.
The anticipated outcomes of the conference centre around establishing a demilitarised Palestinian state that acknowledges Israel’s existence and security, explicitly excluding any leaders from Hamas.