Saudi Arabia and France Launch UN Conference on Palestinian Statehood Amid Gaza Conflict
Saudi Arabia and France have initiated a three-day conference at the United Nations aimed at advancing Palestinian statehood as part of efforts to resolve the war in Gaza.
The discussions began on Monday, shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country would formally recognize a Palestinian government in September to revitalize stalled negotiations over a two-state solution. These talks had largely stalled following the 2023 Hamas attack and subsequent Israeli military operations.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that the gathering would also encourage other European nations to move toward recognizing Palestinian statehood. Although Barrot did not name specific countries, attention has turned to the UK, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces growing pressure from his own party to push for an end to the conflict.
“A political, two-state solution is the only way to meet the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians for peace and security,” Barrot said at the conference’s opening. “There is no viable alternative.”
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud announced that the kingdom is awaiting World Bank approval to send $300 million in aid to Gaza and the West Bank to alleviate severe humanitarian conditions. He emphasized Palestinians’ “legitimate right” to an independent state based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
“This is not just a political position but a deep belief that Palestinian statehood is fundamental to regional peace,” he stated.
The conference is jointly led by 16 nations and delegations, including the UK, Ireland, and the European Union. While the UK does not currently recognize Palestine, Starmer has faced increasing calls from lawmakers to support diplomatic efforts. Over 220 members of parliament recently urged him to formally acknowledge a Palestinian state.
“We expect the UK government to clarify how it will uphold its long-standing commitment to a two-state solution and collaborate internationally to achieve it,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter last week.
Starmer will convene his cabinet this week for an emergency discussion on Gaza, with government sources indicating that recognizing Palestinian statehood is inevitable under his leadership.
Additionally, attention is turning to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, including severe malnutrition and starvation. On Monday, Israeli rights groups B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.
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