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France and Saudi Arabia will host world leaders in New York on Monday to rally support for a two-state solution, with several countries expected to formally recognise a Palestinian state. The move, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, comes as Israel escalates its offensive in Gaza and violence grows in the West Bank.
Israel and the United States are boycotting the summit, dismissing it as harmful and counterproductive. Israeli officials warned of retaliatory measures, including annexation of parts of the West Bank and sanctions against France. Washington has also cautioned nations backing Palestine that they may face consequences.
The meeting follows the UN General Assembly’s adoption of a declaration calling for concrete, timebound steps towards a two-state solution. The plan prioritises a ceasefire, hostage releases, and unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza before laying out a roadmap for Palestinian statehood.
France, joined by countries including Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, has pledged recognition. Paris hopes its influence will accelerate global momentum for Palestinian statehood, long championed by smaller nations. However, recognition comes with varied conditions, often tied to Palestinian Authority reforms.
Palestinians in Gaza remain skeptical. Many doubt international recognition will pressure Israel enough to end the war or guarantee statehood, though others see it as a step toward justice. In the West Bank, residents welcomed the move as a historic victory. Israelis, still scarred by the Hamas attack in October 2023 that killed 1,200 and left 251 hostages, view the initiative as rewarding terrorism.
Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, while famine and mass displacement continue. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will join the summit via video after being denied a U.S. visa. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will also attend virtually.
