Global Leaders Convene in New York to Promote the Two-State Solution As Support for Palestinian Statehood Increases
On Monday, France and Saudi Arabia will bring together dozens of world leaders in New York to continue the push for a Palestinian state.
Despite significant resistance from Israel and the United States, France and Saudi Arabia will bring together dozens of world leaders in New York on Monday to advance the two-state solution and increase momentum for the recognition of a Palestinian state.
A boycott of the conference has been announced by the US and Israel. Danny Danon, the ambassador of Israel to the UN, called the gathering a “circus.” “We do not believe it is helpful,” he told reporters on Thursday. We believe that in reality, it is encouraging terrorism. In addition to bilateral actions against France, Israeli authorities have indicated that annexing a portion of the occupied West Bank is being considered as a potential reaction.
Biden’s administration has also issued a warning about the possible repercussions for nations that officially recognize Palestinian statehood, including France, whose president, Emmanuel Macron, is hosting the summit. Following Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza City two years ago in response to Hamas’ attack on Israel, the conference takes place ahead of this week’s UN General Assembly.
With Israel stepping up its war in Gaza and settler violence in the West Bank on the rise, diplomats say it is more important than ever to take action before the two-state vision completely fails. The General Assembly condemned Hamas and called for its disarmament and surrender earlier this month, endorsing a statement that outlined “tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps” toward a two-state solution. The US and Israel both rejected the announcement as damaging and a marketing gimmick.
Jean-Noel Barrot, the foreign minister of France, defended the procedure on Thursday, stating: “The New York Declaration is a roadmap that starts with the top priorities: a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. It is not a vague promise for the distant future. Discussions on Monday will focus on creating a plan for the day after the truce and hostage release are complete.
The initiative has been led by France, where Macron declared in July that Paris would recognize a Palestinian state in an attempt to rally support from allies beyond minor countries that have historically been anti-Israel. France, along with five other countries, is anticipated to formally recognize a Palestinian state on Monday, joining Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal in doing so within the last week.
According to some nations, recognition will be subject to restrictions, such as the gradual normalization of diplomatic relations contingent on the Palestinian Authority enacting reforms. Israel has rebuffed the plan, claiming it lacks faith that Mahmoud Abbas, the 89-year-old president of Palestine, will carry out the reforms he promised in a letter to Macron earlier this year.
Despite being anticipated to speak via video, Abbas and other top Palestinian officials will not be present in person after the United States declined to grant visas. After the General Assembly unanimously decided on Friday to permit his remote participation, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will also participate online, even though he is co-hosting the summit.
“We must bring the Palestinian state that the world is calling for to reality.” Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin stated on Sunday that they must now demonstrate what these steps are.
