A United Nations summit aimed at advancing a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, previously delayed due to the Israel-Iran conflict, has been rescheduled for 28–29 July. However, French President Emmanuel Macron is not expected to attend, reducing the likelihood of major announcements regarding recognition of a Palestinian state during the event.
Macron has recently reiterated his support for the two-state solution, describing it as the only viable path to peace and regional stability. He has been working to rally international support for formal recognition of a Palestinian state. However, stalled ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have complicated those efforts.
Both Israel and the United States oppose unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state and have urged other nations to avoid participating in the upcoming UN conference in New York. Israel argues that recognizing Palestine at this time would effectively reward Hamas for its actions.
Originally scheduled for June, the summit was postponed following Israel’s military action against Iran, which escalated tensions across the region. The summit’s agenda includes working groups focused on laying the groundwork for a two-state solution — including governance structures, economic revitalization, and countering inflammatory rhetoric.
French officials have clarified that no final decision has been made on when or how France will move forward with recognition. Another event planned in Paris may serve as a more suitable platform for such a declaration.
The topic of recognition was also raised at last week’s UK-France summit. Macron made a strong appeal for recognition in both a speech to the UK Parliament and a subsequent press conference, stating, “With Gaza in ruins and the West Bank under daily assault, the vision of a Palestinian state has never been more imperiled.”
In a joint statement, Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed their commitment to the two-state framework and pledged to collaborate on advancing it. The statement noted their intention to support Palestine’s development and eventual recognition as part of a broader peace process.
According to French newspaper Le Monde, neither Macron nor Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman plans to attend the UN summit, which will instead be led by foreign ministers.
Macron may still choose to make a recognition announcement at a later date, ideally in coordination with allies such as the UK and possibly Canada.
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy addressed the issue during a session with the parliamentary foreign affairs committee. Referring to Britain’s historical role in the region via the Balfour Declaration, he emphasized the need for the UK to be part of any forward-looking diplomatic process. He noted that a lasting ceasefire would be essential before any major shift in recognition policy.
Lammy also acknowledged that recent recognition of Palestine by some European nations had not resulted in significant change on the ground. Nonetheless, he expressed concern over continued Israeli settlement expansion, which threatens the viability of a future Palestinian state.
He also cast doubt on the possibility of broader normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia unless meaningful steps are taken on Palestinian statehood. “From what I’ve heard in my discussions with Saudi officials, normalization will not happen without a ceasefire and tangible progress on a two-state solution. I respect their steadfastness on this matter,” Lammy told MPs.
Separately, Israeli and Palestinian foreign ministers are expected to attend a dinner in Brussels on Monday during an EU-Southern Neighbourhood ministerial meeting. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and his Palestinian counterpart Varsen Aghabekian have confirmed attendance, although it is unclear whether they will meet or engage in direct dialogue. The Brussels gathering aims to deepen ties between the EU and its ten Mediterranean partner nations.
