A long-anticipated United Nations summit focused on advancing a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine has been rescheduled for 28–29 July in New York, following a postponement triggered by the recent Israel-Iran conflict. However, the absence of French President Emmanuel Macron is casting doubt on whether the summit will generate attention or lead to landmark recognitions of a Palestinian state.
The conference, designed to galvanise international support for a renewed peace process, features working groups on Palestinian governance, economic development, and strategies to counter extremist rhetoric. Yet without Macron’s attendance, or that of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to Le Monde, hopes for high-profile announcements appear dimmed.
Macron has repeatedly affirmed that the recognition of a Palestinian state is “the only way to build peace and stability for all in the whole region.” Last week, he delivered two public appeals for recognition, including a powerful address to UK parliamentarians. Still, the French government has not committed to a timetable, and sources in Paris say a separate event may be used for any formal announcement.
France’s preference has been to coordinate a joint recognition with the United Kingdom, and potentially Canada, to give the move greater weight on the global stage.
Recognition of Palestinian statehood remains fiercely opposed by both Israel and the United States, who have reportedly urged UN member states to avoid attending the summit. Israel argues that such recognition would reward Hamas terrorism, a position echoed in quiet diplomatic lobbying efforts in the run-up to the New York event.
The summit was initially slated for June but was delayed after Israeli airstrikes on Iran ignited a regional security crisis. Though the event will now proceed, it will be led by foreign ministers rather than heads of state, limiting the likelihood of sweeping declarations.
The recent Anglo-French summit saw recognition of Palestine discussed but not formalised. The joint statement issued by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Macron reaffirmed a shared commitment to “recognising a Palestinian state, as a contribution to a peace process,” while pledging to “work together to support its development and the realisation of a two-state solution.”
Speaking before Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy reflected on Britain’s historical role in shaping the Middle East, citing the Balfour Declaration and the need for a deliberate and inclusive process.
“I would prefer that the United Kingdom is part of a process,” Lammy said. “A ceasefire might be the beginning of a process, and I suspect that our French colleagues are also waiting to see whether there is a ceasefire in the next few days.”
Lammy also expressed scepticism that normalisation between Saudi Arabia and Israel would be possible without concrete progress towards Palestinian statehood.
“From my conversations with the Saudis and the Saudi foreign minister, normalisation will be impossible to achieve until there is a ceasefire and unless there is tangible progress on two states. Frankly, I commend my Saudi counterparts for holding true to that,” he added.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian are both scheduled to attend an EU-Southern Neighbourhood ministerial dinner in Brussels on Monday. It remains unclear whether the two will engage directly, but the event signals cautious diplomatic engagement between the parties and the EU’s ten Mediterranean partner countries.
