France and Saudi Arabia Co-Chair UN Conference to Advance Two-State Solution for Palestine
France and Saudi Arabia are co-chairing a high-level international conference at the United Nations in New York, which began today and will run until July 30. The critical objective of this gathering is to revitalize and advance efforts towards a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution. This initiative comes amidst heightened international pressure for a resolution to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Key Drivers and Objectives of the Conference:
Reviving the Two-State Solution: Both France and Saudi Arabia view the two-state solution – the creation of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel – as the only viable path to lasting peace and security in the region. The conference aims to move beyond endless negotiations and establish a concrete framework for its implementation.
French Recognition of Palestine: The conference gains significant momentum from French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement last week that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine in September at the UN General Assembly. This move, which would make France the first G7 country to do so, is intended to "breathe new life" into the peace process and encourage other nations to follow suit.
Saudi Arabia's Firm Stance: Saudi Arabia has consistently and firmly advocated for the Palestinian cause, considering it a central priority in its foreign policy. The Kingdom's participation in co-chairing this conference "reflects its firm and longstanding stance on the Palestinian cause" and its efforts to achieve the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Addressing the Deadlock: The conference is a direct result of a UN General Assembly Resolution (ES-10/22) adopted in 2024, aiming to overcome the current diplomatic deadlock. A concept note for the event highlights that international consensus on the two-state solution "still enjoys near-universal support" and is the only way to satisfy the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Key Focus Areas of Discussion:
Beyond facilitating conditions for the recognition of a Palestinian state, the conference will delve into several crucial areas:
Recognition of Palestine: Rallying additional countries to formally recognize Palestinian statehood, seen as strengthening moderate voices like the Palestinian Authority.
Reform of the Palestinian Authority (PA): Discussions will include strengthening and reforming Palestinian governance structures.
Disarmament of Hamas: Addressing the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from Palestinian public life is a stated objective.
Normalization of Relations: Promoting the normalization of relations with Israel by Arab states that have not yet done so, as part of a broader regional peace strategy.
Future Security Arrangements: Deliberating on the structure of a unified Palestinian state and future security mechanisms.
Reconstruction of Gaza: Addressing the urgent need for reconstruction strategies in Gaza.
Participants and Absences:
Representatives from over 120 countries and agencies, including India, are attending the conference.
However, the United States and Israel are boycotting the event, criticizing its unilateral push for Palestinian statehood without a negotiated agreement with Israel. Israeli officials have strongly condemned France's decision to recognize Palestine, stating that such a move would be a "launch pad to annihilate Israel."
Reactions and Implications:
Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour called the conference a "unique opportunity" to transform international consensus into an "achievable plan" and demonstrate resolve to end the conflict.
Arab nations, including Qatar and Kuwait, have welcomed France's planned recognition of Palestine, aligning it with international legitimacy.
The conference signifies a renewed and coordinated diplomatic push by key international and regional players to restart a political process that many believe has stalled amidst ongoing conflict and the absence of direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
The emphasis is on concrete, time-bound commitments to move towards the two-state solution, rather than just another round of talks.
This UN conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, represents a significant diplomatic effort to reshape the international approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to build momentum for the creation of a Palestinian state.
