In brief
The planned U.N. conference aimed at discussing the establishment of a Palestinian state has been postponed due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, as stated by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The meeting, which was to include leaders such as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, is crucial for deliberations on Palestine's potential recognition by France. Macron emphasized that the delay would be temporary, with a new date to be confirmed soon. The ongoing hostilities have made it impossible for key regional leaders, including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, to attend the conference. Macron noted logistical and political challenges stemming from the violence. While he remains optimistic about the path toward a two-state solution, this perspective is not shared by the U.S. or Israel, both of whom planned to boycott the event. The U.S. has previously discouraged participation, asserting that the conference's timing during a conflict could undermine Israel's position.With France, along with other European nations, reconsidering its stance due to Israel’s current right-wing government, the conference represented an ongoing effort to find solutions to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a scenario that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not adequately addressed.
