What's happened
Saudi Arabia and France hosted a UN conference with 125 countries to promote a two-state solution amid ongoing Gaza conflict. The meeting called for a ceasefire, Palestinian state recognition, and regional normalization, but was boycotted by the US and Israel. Macron announced France will recognize Palestine in September, contingent on conditions.
What's behind the headline?
The recent UN conference signals a notable shift in diplomatic momentum towards Palestinian statehood, driven largely by France and Saudi Arabia. Macron's pledge to recognize Palestine in September, contingent on regional normalization and demilitarization, underscores France's strategic push to influence the peace process. However, the absence of the US and Israel highlights the deep divisions and the challenge of achieving consensus. The conference's focus on a ceasefire, Palestinian recognition, and regional normalization reflects a broader international effort to reframe the conflict within a diplomatic framework, but the lack of participation from key actors diminishes its immediate impact. The push for recognition and a two-state solution is likely to intensify in the coming months, with regional and global powers weighing their positions. The outcome hinges on whether the US and Israel will engage or continue to oppose these initiatives, which could determine if this diplomatic effort translates into tangible progress or remains symbolic.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that Saudi Arabia and France hosted a UN conference with 125 countries, calling for a ceasefire and Palestinian state recognition, despite US and Israeli boycotts. The conference aimed to outline a pathway to peace, emphasizing ending the Gaza war and regional normalization. The Times of Israel highlights Macron's announcement of France's intention to recognize Palestine in September, with some Western countries like the UK and Italy hesitant or opposed. Politico notes Macron's long-standing push for recognition and the conditions attached, including regional normalization. All sources agree that the conference marks a significant diplomatic effort, but its effectiveness is limited by the absence of the US and Israel, and ongoing regional tensions.
How we got here
The conference was initially scheduled for June but was postponed due to Israel's military actions in Gaza and Iran. It aims to outline a pathway to Palestinian statehood, emphasizing a two-state solution amid ongoing conflict and regional tensions. Macron's announcement of recognition and the push for international support mark a significant diplomatic effort, though key players like the US and Israel remain absent.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Was the UN Conference on Palestine Delayed?
The recent UN conference on Palestine, hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, was postponed amid rising tensions and ongoing conflicts in Gaza. Many wonder what caused the delay and what it means for future peace efforts. In this page, we explore the reasons behind the postponement, the key players involved, and what the latest developments mean for Palestinian statehood and international diplomacy.
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Why Is Palestine's Statehood Recognition So Controversial?
The push for Palestinian statehood has gained international attention, but it remains a highly contentious issue. Countries like France are planning to recognize Palestine, while the US and Israel oppose this move. Understanding the reasons behind this controversy involves exploring geopolitical tensions, historical conflicts, and diplomatic efforts. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the current efforts and challenges in recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state.
More on these topics
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Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.
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France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Mahmoud Abbas, also known by the kunya Abu Mazen, is the President of the State of Palestine and Palestinian National Authority.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.