UN Two-State Solution Conference Rescheduled for Late July
The conference, which Saudi Arabia and France will jointly chair, was originally scheduled in mid-June but postponed against the backdrop of the Iran-Israel conflict. It aims to chart a roadmap for a Palestinian State while guaranteeing Israel's security, in a bid to resolve the decades-old conflict. New Date
The International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution will take place on July 28-29, 2025, at the UN headquarters in New York, under the joint chairmanship of Saudi Arabia and France.
The conference was originally set for June 17-20, and expected the attendance of heads of states and governments. The diplomatic sources who spoke to AFP could not provide details on any changes to the conference's agenda or level of attending representatives. Conference Postponement
On June 13, Israel launched a military operation against Iran and the two countries engaged in military assaults for 12 days amid fears of an all-out regional war. As a result, the French President, Emmanuel Macron, announced the postponement of the UN conference for the two-state solution for 'logistical and security reasons.'
However, Macron stressed that this delay did not 'call into question our determination to move forward with the implementation of the two-state solution.' Mobilizing Support for Two-State Solution
Saudi Arabia and France have called for the international conference to advance peace and implement the two-state solution, in a bid to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
In December 2024, the French President announced during a visit to Saudi Arabia, that he and the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, would co-chair a conference in June 2025 focused on establishing a Palestinian state.
In April, Macron unveiled that France plans to recognize Palestine in June. 'Our goal is to chair this conference with Saudi Arabia in June. We aim to finalize reciprocal recognition by several countries,' the French President said following his visit to Egypt.
The international conference for the two-state solution is a bid to 'trigger a series of other recognitions,' according to Macron. It aims to encourage more states to recognize the State of Palestine.
Currently, around 150 countries officially recognize Palestine, which holds a non-member observer status at the UN General Assembly since November 2012.
Owing to intense diplomatic efforts, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, more countries are recognizing Palestine, including most recently Spain, Norway and Ireland. France's Stance on Palestine
Macron is expected to announce France's recognition of the State of Palestine during the conference. During a recent visit to the UK, Macron stressed his support for the two-state solution and urged for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, according to the Independent.
Addressing the UK parliament, the French President said: 'We are aware that the political way out is crucial, and I believe in the future of the two-state solution as a basis for regional security architecture, which will enable Israel to live in peace and security alongside its neighbors.'
Moreover, Macron urged for a joint recognition by France and Britain of a Palestinian State, calling the move 'the only path to peace' in the region.
Speaking at a joint press conference with the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, in London, Macron emphasized the need for ramping up efforts to advance the two-state solution to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, according to Arab News.
'I believe in the future of the two-state solution, and in the need to unify our voices in Paris, London and beyond to recognize the State of Palestine and launch this political dynamic that alone can lead to a horizon of peace,' he said. UK Considers Recognition
The British Prime Minister stressed the UK's commitment to a 'just political settlement of the Palestinian issue,' highlighting the importance of international support for the Palestinian people and the need for stability in the region.
In a joint declaration, the leaders of the UK and France reaffirmed their commitment to pushing for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and recognizing Palestine.
'We reaffirm our commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state, as a contribution to a peace process. We will work together to support its development and the realization of a Two-State Solution,' they said.
The UK has been considering the official recognition of a Palestinian State, holding talks with Saudi Arabia and France on this matter. The British Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said that he wanted to see 'change on the ground,' referring to a ceasefire in Gaza, according to the Independent.
Lammy said he 'would prefer it was part of the process' and that he believed 'our French colleagues are also waiting to see if there is, in fact, a ceasefire in the next few days' to initiate a process and that the British government remained 'completely committed' to recognition. US Opposes Conference
The recognition of Palestine by France and the UK – two permanent UN Security Council Members – will add weight to the list of states recognizing Palestine. It will also be the first by G7 member states.
However, the US has tried to discourage governments from attending the conference. On June 10, the Trump administration sent a cable to countries warning them of 'diplomatic consequences' if they take 'anti-Israel actions,' Reuters reported at the time.
'We are urging governments not to participate in the conference, which we view as counterproductive to ongoing, lifesaving efforts to end the war in Gaza and free hostages,' the cable said.
'The US opposes any steps that would unilaterally recognize a conjectural Palestinian state, which adds significant legal and political obstacles to the eventual resolution of the conflict and could coerce Israel during a war, thereby supporting its enemies,' it added.
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