France and Saudi Arabia Lead UN Meeting on Two-State Solution for Israel-Palestine Conflict

France and Saudi Arabia convened a high-level international conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York, bringing together world leaders and diplomats to address the escalating crisis in Gaza and the broader Israel-Palestine conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud led the summit, which was attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and representatives from over 140 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, all of whom announced formal recognition of the State of Palestine according to reports from Le Monde and the UN News Service.

The summit culminated in the adoption of the New York Declaration, which received overwhelming support from the UN General Assembly with 142 votes in favor. The declaration reaffirms the international community’s commitment to the two-state solution, calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. According to Arab News and IMEMC, the declaration also urges an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and an end to Israeli military operations and settlement expansion in the West Bank.

President Macron emphasized that the recognition of Palestinian statehood is essential for lasting peace and does not diminish Israel’s right to security, stating, “The time for peace has come, as we are just moments away from no longer being able to seize it.” Saudi Arabia’s Prince Faisal condemned ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza and the West Bank, describing them as threats to regional and international stability, and called on all nations to take concrete steps to implement the two-state solution. The Saudi delegation also welcomed the recent UN General Assembly vote endorsing the New York Declaration, highlighting the broad international consensus for Palestinian rights and self-determination.

UN Secretary-General Guterres reiterated his call for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, warning that continued violence and settlement expansion pose an existential threat to the two-state solution. He stressed that Palestinian statehood is a right, not a reward, and urged the international community to act before the opportunity for peace is lost.

The summit marked a significant shift in international diplomacy, with several Western governments joining France and Saudi Arabia in recognizing Palestinian statehood, despite strong opposition from Israel. Israeli officials, including the country’s ambassador to the UN, denounced the move, claiming it undermines peace efforts and supports terrorism. Nevertheless, the conference’s outcome signals growing momentum for a negotiated settlement and increased pressure on Israel to halt its military campaign and engage in direct talks with Palestinian leaders.

France and Saudi Arabia pledged to continue working with the UN and other peace-seeking nations to follow up on the summit’s outcomes, aiming to end the war in Gaza, halt unilateral actions undermining Palestinian sovereignty, and establish a new reality of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.