The United Nations will convene a critical high-level conference from June 17 to 20 at its New York headquarters, with France and Saudi Arabia serving as co-chairs. The gathering comes amid escalating calls to revive the two-state solution and stabilize the region by turning diplomatic intent into concrete action.
Agenda: From Rhetoric to Roadmap
Originally billed as a forum for formally recognizing a Palestinian state, the conference has recalibrated its ambitions. Rather than immediate statehood, it will focus on time-bound, actionable steps: reinforcing a Gaza ceasefire, securing the release of hostages, disarming Hamas, rebuilding Gaza, and reforming the Palestinian Authority . Eight working groups will dissect topics spanning economic viability, security, international law, and governance.
Macron Secures Pledges from Abbas
In a notable diplomatic development, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas sent a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron, condemning the October 7 Hamas attack, calling for hostage releases, and pledging unprecedented reforms—including ensuring Hamas hands over weapons to the Palestinian Security Forces . Macron may use these commitments to justify France’s potential recognition of Palestine—and to rally Western and Arab states behind the effort.
Standoff: Israel Refuses to Attend
Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has flatly declined participation unless Hamas is condemned and hostages are freed first. The Israeli government argues that any recognition would reward terrorism and undercut their security strategy, preferring instead to proceed with annexation in the West Bank.
Regional Pressure Mounts
Israel has blocked planned visits by Arab foreign ministers—including those from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE—to Ramallah. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan disparaged the move as “extremism” and a rejection of peace, intensifying pressure ahead of the conference.
Humanitarian Context and Diplomatic Risks
This summit launches amid dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with more than 54,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread displacement since October 2023 . UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that unless the two-state framework is restored, the region may descend into a “one-state” reality marked by stateless oppression.
Macron’s Leadership and European Stakes
President Macron is using France’s EU influence to press for broader recognition of Palestine, proposing conditional statehood tied to democratic reforms and Hamas’s disarmament, while also advocating EU sanctions against illegal Israeli settlements . His stance has drawn backlash from Israel and concerns over rising antisemitism in France.
