Preparations are intensifying for a major international conference aimed at advancing the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, set to take place at the United Nations headquarters in New York from June 17 to 20.
The high-level event, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, seeks to reenergize global efforts toward a peaceful resolution and the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
On Friday, simultaneous meetings in Paris and New York underscored the diplomatic push behind the initiative. In Paris, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot hosted his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan — Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Badr Abdelatty, and Ayman Safadi — for a working session devoted to coordinating positions and finalizing preparations.
The meeting signaled France’s determination to partner closely with Arab nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, in spearheading the initiative.
French officials emphasized their confidence in Saudi Arabia’s regional and international influence, noting that Riyadh’s co-chair role was mandated by a UN resolution passed in December 2024.
Meanwhile in New York, UN delegates gathered for a preparatory session to assess the work of eight task forces established previously to craft practical recommendations on implementing the two-state framework. These groups have been focusing on key areas such as security, humanitarian aid, and post-conflict reconstruction.
The conference, according to French officials, will be open to all UN member states, as well as observer entities. Organizers hope for strong high-level participation, with the event expected to open with remarks by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, followed by the President of the General Assembly and the conference co-chairs.
The opening session will include presentations by the heads of the eight task forces, summarizing their findings. A final document, described as a “roadmap” to a political solution, will be released at the end of the conference, focusing on actionable steps rather than abstract declarations.
French diplomats have stressed that the aim is not to revisit past resolutions, but to forge a path toward a practical and enforceable peace framework.
“There is a goal and a conviction,” said one French official. “The goal is to mobilize the international community around the need for a political solution. The conviction is that only a political path, not a military one, can bring lasting peace.”
Efforts are currently centered on four main areas. The first is international recognition of a Palestinian state. France believes that triggering an “irreversible momentum” in this direction is crucial. Over 50 countries have recognized the Palestinian state, but none of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council from the West have yet done so.
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed readiness to take this step, and his foreign minister has echoed that commitment.
A joint statement from France, the UK, and Canada earlier this week hinted at recognition, provoking sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who warned Paris against what he called a “reward for terrorism.”
The second pillar ties recognition of Palestine to normalization with Israel. “We want mutual recognition,” said a French foreign ministry spokesperson, emphasizing that both sides must be recognized for a two-state solution to be credible.
The third area focuses on reforming the Palestinian Authority, with calls for restructuring, democratic revitalization, and a firm stance against extremist factions. Paris views institutional reform as essential to ensuring the PA’s viability amid mounting pressure.
The fourth and most delicate component involves security guarantees for Israel. These include proposals to disarm Hamas, remove it from governing Gaza, and develop a regional security framework involving Israel.
Despite growing momentum, significant hurdles remain. Chief among them are the positions of the United States and Israel. Washington has yet to comment on the upcoming conference, and is widely viewed as hesitant to support unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Sources in Paris said Netanyahu has privately warned of “radical” reprisals if France proceeds with recognition, viewing such moves as undermining Israeli security and rewarding Hamas.
