World leaders are set to meet in New York on Monday, September 22, 2025, for a high-stakes summit on the Israel-Palestine two-state solution. The one-day event, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia at the United Nations headquarters, comes amid a wave of historic recognitions of Palestinian statehood.
In recent days, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal formally recognized Palestine, a move hailed by many as a turning point in the decades-long conflict. France is expected to follow with its own recognition during the summit, while Belgium and others are reportedly considering the same.
Israel and its closest allies, including the United States, have announced they will boycott the summit. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon dismissed the gathering as a “circus,” echoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claims that recognition of Palestine “rewards terrorism.”
Netanyahu, under growing domestic pressure, is said to be weighing options for partial or full annexation of the occupied West Bank. Analysts note he is relying on US backing, which he will seek during the broader UN General Assembly (UNGA).
The summit will expand on the New York Declaration, adopted earlier this month, which outlined “timebound and irreversible steps” towards two states. It also condemned Hamas, called for an immediate ceasefire, and demanded unrestricted humanitarian aid to reach Gaza’s population.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to take a leading role at the event, while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will join remotely. Meanwhile, Israel has hinted at retaliatory diplomatic measures against France, including possibly closing its Jerusalem consulate.
The summit comes as Israel escalates its military campaign in Gaza, with deadly strikes on Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood killing at least 25 members of one family on Sunday. Despite rising global recognition of Palestine, the war continues to intensify, further complicating hopes for peace.
