World summit to meet on two-state solution as support grows for Palestinian state

France and Saudi Arabia Lead Global Push for Palestinian State Recognition at UN Summit

France and Saudi Arabia are set to host a high-level summit in New York on Monday, bringing together dozens of world leaders to rally support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The meeting comes just one day after Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal formally recognised a Palestinian state, with France and several other countries expected to follow suit.

Global Momentum for Two-State Solution

The summit, taking place ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, reflects growing frustration over the ongoing Gaza war and a rising urgency to preserve hopes of peace. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that President Emmanuel Macron will use the summit to announce formal recognition of Palestine, calling it a “symbolic, immediate, political decision” and a clear rejection of Hamas.

Supporters argue recognition is necessary to keep alive the prospect of two states living side by side. The UN General Assembly recently endorsed a declaration calling for “tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps” towards that goal.

Israel and US Boycott the Summit

Israel and the United States have strongly opposed the recognitions, describing the New York event as a “circus”. Israeli officials warned that their government may respond by annexing parts of the occupied West Bank, a move critics say could alienate allies such as the UAE. The UAE, which normalised ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords, has called annexation a “red line”.

The US administration has also warned of consequences for any measures targeting Israel, including against France.

Palestinian Leaders Absent Amid US Visa Ban

While Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation were refused visas by the US, Abbas is expected to address the summit via video. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the co-host, will also appear virtually.

Escalating War Fuels Diplomatic Drive

The summit follows Israel’s ground assault on Gaza City, nearly two years after the Hamas attacks that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken. According to Gaza health authorities, Israel’s military response has killed over 65,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, while famine and displacement continue to worsen.

France hopes that its move, alongside broader international recognition, will build momentum toward peace before the two-state solution slips permanently out of reach.