UN addresses struggling two-state solution for Israel and Palestinians

France and Saudi Arabia Take the Lead in Reviving the Two-State Solution

France and Saudi Arabia are set to play a pivotal role in reigniting the long-stagnant effort for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. Starting on Monday, they will lead the charge at a UN conference in New York, aiming to bring renewed attention to this critical issue. The event, co-chaired by Riyadh and Paris, comes at a time when the prospects for a peaceful resolution seem increasingly uncertain.

In the days leading up to the July 28-30 conference, French President Emmanuel Macron made a significant announcement: he plans to formally recognize the State of Palestine in September. This move has been described as a game-changer by analysts like Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group. He noted that the decision "will breathe new life into a conference that seemed destined to irrelevance." With this step, other participants are now scrambling to determine whether they should also express an intent to recognize Palestine.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot shared similar sentiments during an interview with La Tribune Dimanche. He stated that several European countries are expected to confirm their intention to recognize the Palestinian state during the conference. While he did not specify which nations, he expressed hope that Britain would follow suit. Over 200 British MPs recently urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take this step, but he emphasized that recognition must be part of a broader plan.

According to data from the DISCOVER TREND database, at least 142 of the 193 UN member states—including France—now recognize the Palestinian state proclaimed by the Palestinian leadership in exile in 1988. This recognition is rooted in the 1947 UN General Assembly resolution that proposed the partition of Palestine, then under British mandate, into two independent states—one Jewish and one Arab. The following year, the state of Israel was established.

For decades, the majority of UN member states have supported the idea of a two-state solution, envisioning a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security. However, the situation has deteriorated significantly over the past 21 months. The ongoing war in Gaza, the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and Israeli officials' declarations of intent to annex occupied territory have raised fears that a Palestinian state may become geographically impossible.

The conflict in Gaza began after a deadly attack by Hamas on Israel, prompting a large-scale military response that has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties. In response to this crisis, the upcoming conference brings together Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and dozens of ministers from around the world. According to Barrot, it is occurring at a moment when "the prospect of a Palestinian state has never been so threatened, or so necessary."

Key Focus Areas of the Conference

Beyond the recognition of the Palestinian state, the conference will focus on three main areas:

• Reform of the Palestinian Authority: Efforts will be made to strengthen the governance structures within the Palestinian territories.
• Disarmament of Hamas: The conference aims to address the need for the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from Palestinian public life.
• Normalization of Relations with Israel: Arab states that have not yet normalized relations with Israel are expected to consider taking this step.

While no new normalization deals are anticipated at the meeting, a French diplomatic source indicated that Arab countries will likely condemn Hamas and call for its disarmament for the first time. This marks a significant shift in the regional stance toward the group.

Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour emphasized the importance of the conference, calling for "courage" from participants. He highlighted the opportunity to transform international law and consensus into a tangible plan to end the occupation and conflict once and for all.

International Reactions and Challenges

Israel and the United States will not participate in the conference, despite growing international pressure on Israel to end the nearly two-year-long war in Gaza. While Israel has announced some tactical pauses in military operations, the humanitarian crisis in the region remains a central concern.

Representatives from over 100 countries are expected to address the situation during the conference, with many likely to voice strong criticism of Israel’s actions. Analysts predict "very fierce criticism" of the country, reflecting the global sentiment toward the ongoing conflict.

As the conference unfolds, the stakes could not be higher. The outcome may shape the future of the Middle East and determine whether a two-state solution remains a viable path forward.