France's Macron withdraws from UN Palestinian state recognition conference
French President Emmanuel Macron is no longer expected to attend the upcoming UN conference on the recognition of a Palestinian state, according to sources on Tuesday.
Macron encountered strong opposition from the British and Canadian governments, who warned that a unilateral French recognition of a Palestinian state could undermine international coordination efforts with Israel and exacerbate divisions, according to diplomatic sources familiar with the matter.
Macron, who had intended to lead the conference along with Saudi Arabia, had reportedly considered announcing France's official recognition of a Palestinian state, a claim that France has firmly denied.
The conference was originally supposed to take place in New York between June 17-20.
The conference was intended to discuss the future of the Gaza Strip after the Israel-Hamas War concludes, and to prepare for the gradual recognition of a Palestinian state.
However, this was delayed due to the Israel-Iran War.
Additionally, the US applied behind-the-scenes pressure, which led to the postponement of the original conference date, according to sources speaking to Walla.
A new date for the conference was set for July 28, but without Macron's participation.
Paris's leading politicians are working to lower expectations with officials clarifying that France is not abandoning the two-state solution, but does not intend to act unilaterally without broad international consensus.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot mentioned this week that "the goal is to outline post-war Gaza and prepare for France's and other countries' recognition of a Palestinian state."
Amichai Stein contributed to this report.
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