France and Saudi Arabia are set to host a significant summit on Monday, aimed at garnering international support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Several world leaders are expected to officially recognise a Palestinian state, a move that is likely to provoke strong reactions from Israel and the United States.
The summit has been boycotted by the Israel and their ally US. Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, described the meeting as a “circus” and arguing that it rewards terrorism. “We don’t think it’s helpful. We think it’s actually rewarding terrorism,” he remarked to reporters on Thursday.
In response, Israel is reportedly considering annexing parts of the occupied West Bank and may impose additional measures targeting France, Israeli officials have stated, reports Reuters.
The US administration has also signalled potential repercussions for countries that take actions against Israel, including France. French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting the summit in New York.
The summit comes ahead of the UN General Assembly and follows Israel’s recent escalation of military operations in Gaza City. With the ceasefire prospects bleak, the summit is being held at a time of increasing violence, including intensified attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
There is a growing sense of urgency, as some fear the two-state solution could soon become an unachievable goal. Earlier this month, the General Assembly endorsed a new declaration emphasising tangible steps toward achieving a two-state solution, alongside condemnation of Hamas, urging the group to disarm and surrender.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot commented to reporters on Thursday, “The New York Declaration is not a vague promise for the distant future, but rather a roadmap that begins with the top priorities: a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza,”
“Once the ceasefire and release of hostages are achieved, the next step is a plan for the day after, which will be on the agenda for Monday’s discussions,” Barrot continued.
The push for recognition of a Palestinian state has been largely spearheaded by France, with hopes that President Macron’s July announcement would provide significant momentum to the movement. This effort is now being joined by several other nations, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, who all formally recognised a Palestinian state on Sunday.
France, along with five other countries, is expected to follow suit on Monday.
While some of these nations have set conditions for recognition, such as the phased normalisation of diplomatic ties and progress on Palestinian reforms, Israel has strongly opposed the move, citing concerns over Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ ability to deliver on reform promises.
Abbas, who will not attend the summit in person due to the US’ refusal to issue visa to Palestinian officials, is expected to address the gathering via video.
The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, despite co-hosting the summit, will also not attend in person. His participation will be limited to a video address as approved by the General Assembly on Friday.
“The world is saying out loud a Palestinian state and we need to materialise it. Now they need to show what these measures are,” Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin told reporters on Sunday.
