France and Saudi Arabia will convene dozens of world leaders in New York on Monday for a high-stakes summit focused on reviving the two-state solution. The meeting comes as momentum builds toward formal recognition of a Palestinian state, despite fierce opposition from Israel and the United States.
The summit is timed to precede this week’s United Nations General Assembly. It follows Israel’s ground assault on Gaza City and rising settler violence in the West Bank factors that have deepened international calls for urgent action before hopes for a two-state solution fade completely.
France has spearheaded the initiative, with President Emmanuel Macron signaling in July that Paris would recognise a Palestinian state. On Sunday, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal joined a growing list of countries granting recognition, with France and several others expected to follow suit on Monday.
Israel has rejected the move outright. Officials in Jerusalem have threatened retaliatory steps, including possible annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank. Israel’s U.N. envoy Danny Danon dismissed the summit as a “circus,” accusing participants of rewarding terrorism. The U.S. echoed Israel’s position, warning of diplomatic consequences for nations siding against its ally.
Despite the criticism, France insists the summit is not symbolic. “The New York Declaration is not a vague promise for the distant future,” Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said, emphasizing priorities such as a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, barred from attending in person after the U.S. denied him a visa, is set to address the summit by video. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, co-host of the event, will also appear virtually.
Supporters of the initiative say formal recognition and a concrete roadmap could breathe new life into stalled peace efforts. As Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin noted: “The world is saying out loud a Palestinian state—and now they need to show what these measures are.”
