Diplomatic preparations are intensifying ahead of next week’s high-level ministerial conference on the two-state solution, to be held at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The conference, co-chaired by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, marks a joint Franco-Saudi initiative aimed at reviving momentum toward Israeli-Palestinian peace.
A French diplomatic source described the event as a first step in what is intended to become a broader process, paving the way for potential recognition of a Palestinian state. According to the source, France views September as a timely window for such recognition, aligning with the UN General Assembly’s high-level meetings.
Scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, the conference will feature speeches from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. It is seen as a prelude to a larger international conference expected to take place either in Paris or on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly’s 80th session.
The French official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the initiative comes amid what he called the most serious threat to the two-state solution since the Oslo Accords. He pointed to the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack, the resulting escalation, and ongoing violence in the West Bank, including rising settler activity, as key obstacles to peace. Despite the devastation, he stressed that Gaza must remain part of the final solution.
The conference will focus on four core tracks, or “baskets,” to help overcome barriers to implementing a two-state outcome. The first includes diplomatic recognition of Palestine by states that have not yet done so, including France. Paris, the source noted, is working to build collective momentum around formal recognition.
The second track involves Arab and Islamic nations committing to normalize relations with Israel, contingent on progress toward Palestinian statehood. This normalization is seen as a catalyst for broader regional cooperation.
The third component centers on reforming Palestinian governance. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has reportedly conveyed unprecedented commitments to the conference, including condemnation of Hamas’ October 7 actions, calls for unconditional release of all hostages, and a pledge to establish a demilitarized Palestinian state.
The fourth and final basket concerns the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from future Palestinian governance - a measure deemed essential for long-term Israeli security and the viability of a two-state arrangement.
The conference will also review proposals developed by nine working groups and 18 co-chairs, with follow-up events expected in Paris or New York this September.
