France and Saudi Arabia will co-host a high-stakes international summit in New York on Monday, aimed at building global momentum for a two-state solution and recognizing Palestinian statehood. The gathering, timed ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, is expected to draw dozens of world leaders—with several countries planning to formally recognize Palestine as a sovereign state.
But the summit has already stirred controversy, with Israel and the United States boycotting the event. Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon dismissed the summit as a “circus”, accusing participants of “rewarding terrorism.”
“We don’t think it’s helpful. We think it’s actually rewarding terrorism,” said Danon on Thursday.
Growing Support, Rising Tensions
The push for Palestinian recognition comes as Israel intensifies its ground offensive in Gaza and settler violence escalates in the West Bank. With peace talks stalled and no ceasefire in sight, backers of the summit warn that the window for a two-state solution is rapidly closing.
France, leading the diplomatic effort, views the summit as an opportunity to implement the “New York Declaration”—a recent UN-endorsed roadmap that outlines “tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps” toward a two-state resolution. The declaration also condemns Hamas and calls for its surrender and disarmament.
“The New York Declaration is not a vague promise for the distant future, but a roadmap,” said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
“Step one is a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian aid. Step two is a comprehensive post-war plan.”
Global Recognition of Palestine Gains Momentum
In a significant development, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal formally recognized the State of Palestine on Sunday. On Monday, France and at least five more nations are expected to follow suit. Some recognitions will come with conditions, including phased diplomatic normalization and requirements for Palestinian Authority reforms.
President Emmanuel Macron’s July announcement to recognize Palestine was a key driver behind the summit, which seeks to elevate Palestinian statehood from a symbolic gesture to actionable international policy.
Israeli and U.S. Backlash
Israel has threatened retaliatory measures against France, including potential annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has warned of diplomatic consequences for nations that take “measures against Israel,” including those participating in the summit.
Israel has also voiced strong opposition to the recognition, citing lack of confidence in President Mahmoud Abbas and his government’s ability to reform. Abbas, who is 89 years old, will not attend in person after the U.S. denied him a visa. He is expected to join the meeting via video.
Despite co-hosting the event, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will also not attend in person, but will address the summit virtually after receiving special UN approval.
A Defining Moment
Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin emphasized the urgency of the initiative:
“The world is saying out loud: a Palestinian state must be materialized. Now they need to show what these measures are.”
With the summit poised to reshape global diplomacy around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it may mark a defining moment in the long-stalled path toward a two-state solution — or spark new geopolitical tensions that risk deepening the divide.
