Egypt Daily News – A high-level international conference convened Monday at the United Nations headquarters in New York to address the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with France and Saudi Arabia taking the lead in a renewed push for a political solution based on the two-state framework. The event, which was boycotted by both the United States and Israel, aims to revive a dormant peace process and increase global pressure for the recognition of a Palestinian state.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, speaking at the opening of the conference, declared unequivocally that “the only acceptable political solution is the creation of two states living side by side in peace and security,” adding, “there is no alternative.” Barrot also emphasized that achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza would require a clear post-war political vision and commitments from the international community.
A Divided International Stage
The absence of the U.S. and Israel from the conference underscores the deep divide between Western allies on how to approach the current crisis. The U.S. State Department dismissed the conference as “a publicity stunt” and “ill-timed,” reiterating its concern that the event could undermine efforts for a negotiated solution and embolden groups like Hamas, which Washington considers a terrorist organization.
Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon condemned the conference as “a fantasy that fuels illusions rather than advancing peace,” criticizing the initiative for not addressing the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza or explicitly condemning Hamas.
Despite these objections, the conference drew wide participation from U.N. member states, with more than 100 countries attending. The gathering takes place against the backdrop of France’s recent pledge alongside Spain, Ireland, and Norway, to recognize the State of Palestine, with President Emmanuel Macron suggesting an official recognition could come as early as September. France is also actively lobbying the United Kingdom to follow suit, although Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that any recognition must be part of a “comprehensive and coordinated” plan.
Mounting Pressure for Palestinian Recognition
The conference aims to build momentum toward a long-elusive political settlement and counter the ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank widely considered illegal under international law and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa called for urgent international action, including the deployment of a protective international force for Palestinian civilians. He reiterated that without concrete political measures, the situation on the ground would only deteriorate further.
As of now, at least 142 of the 193 U.N. member states recognize the State of Palestine, which was officially declared in 1988. France and Saudi Arabia are seeking to push that number higher as part of a broader diplomatic offensive aimed at forcing movement toward a final-status agreement.
Warnings Against West Bank Annexation and Gaza Destruction
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a sobering address, warning that the situation had reached “a breaking point.” He denounced what he described as the “creeping annexation” of the West Bank and the “wholesale destruction” of Gaza, calling on all parties to halt unilateral actions that undermine the two-state solution. Guterres also stressed the urgent need for more humanitarian aid in Gaza, where a daily “humanitarian pause” declared by Israel remains insufficient, according to aid organizations.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan echoed these concerns, stating that a sovereign Palestinian state is the “true key to regional peace.” He reiterated that normalization of ties between Arab countries and Israel is impossible without the establishment of such a state, a view that stands in direct contrast to recent normalization efforts under the Abraham Accords.
Beyond Rhetoric: Calls for Concrete Action
While the conference offered symbolic support for Palestinian statehood, human rights advocates demanded more than declarations. Bruno Stagno, Advocacy Director at Human Rights Watch’s regional office, criticized what he termed the “recycled platitudes” around the two-state solution and urged governments to impose targeted sanctions on Israeli officials and suspend arms exports to Israel in response to alleged war crimes in Gaza.
“The rhetoric of a two-state solution cannot mask the reality of mass suffering,” said Stagno. “We need real accountability mechanisms, not more diplomatic deferrals.”
Focus on Palestinian Governance and Gaza Reconstruction
The conference also addressed contentious issues such as the future governance of Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and reforming the Palestinian Authority to improve its credibility and functionality. While no announcements were made regarding new Arab-Israeli normalization deals, the session reinforced the view among many nations that the post-war vision for Gaza must not repeat past mistakes, particularly the isolation or marginalization of Palestinian political actors.
A Fragile Path Forward
Despite criticism from key players, the conference marked one of the most significant multilateral efforts in recent years to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a statehood and justice-oriented perspective. Whether it leads to concrete diplomatic outcomes remains uncertain, but its symbolic value—and the mounting international recognition of Palestine—could reshape the political landscape ahead of the U.N. General Assembly session in September.
For now, the divide between diplomacy and military action, between recognition and resistance, continues to define the fragile contours of one of the world’s most enduring and explosive conflicts.
