UN Conference Aims to Shape Post-War Gaza, Advance Palestinian State Recognition 🇫🇷
UN Conference to Address Gaza’s Future and Palestinian Statehood, Says France
A postponed international conference initially planned by France and Saudi Arabia to outline a roadmap for Palestinian statehood will now take place later this month, France’s foreign minister announced. The gathering, aimed at shaping post-war Gaza and building support for recognizing a Palestinian state, will be hosted under the United Nations framework.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed on Tuesday in Brussels that the event, now rescheduled for July 28–29, seeks to define the future governance of Gaza and rally countries—starting with France—around the formal recognition of Palestinian statehood.
The original conference was set for June 17–20 in New York but was delayed due to pressure from the United States and disruptions caused by a 12-day military confrontation between Israel and Iran, which resulted in regional airspace closures and restricted attendance from key Arab representatives.
Though the initiative aims to promote regional stability and ensure Israel’s security alongside Palestinian sovereignty, it has encountered resistance from some Western allies, including the United Kingdom and Canada.
French President Emmanuel Macron had previously intended to attend and potentially announce formal recognition of a Palestinian state in territories currently occupied by Israel. However, he is no longer expected to join the rescheduled event, casting doubt on any significant developments being declared during the summit.
Meanwhile, Israeli military operations in Gaza have continued unabated since October 2023. A U.S.-brokered 60-day ceasefire proposal is currently under negotiation in Doha.
