UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations is preparing for a major diplomatic gathering next week to address the deadlocked Palestinian issue and revive efforts toward a two-state solution. The three-day conference, starting July 28 in New York, is co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia.
The timing is significant. Just days ago, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognize Palestine as a state in September. This move is seen as a potential turning point in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
According to analysts, France’s decision has given new importance to the conference. Richard Gowan from the International Crisis Group said Macron’s move has “changed the game” and may push other nations to follow suit.
Over 140 UN member states have already recognized Palestine. The 1947 UN resolution originally supported two states, Jewish and Arab, living peacefully side by side. However, the reality on the ground remains complex and violent.
The war in Gaza, which began nearly 22 months ago after a Hamas attack on Israel, continues to fuel humanitarian concerns. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have died, and Israeli settlements in the West Bank are expanding. These developments raise doubts about the future viability of a Palestinian state.
The upcoming conference will also focus on reforming the Palestinian Authority, removing Hamas from political life, and encouraging more Arab states to normalize relations with Israel. However, no major announcements on new peace deals are expected.
Notably, Israel and the United States will not attend the event. Israel’s UN envoy said the conference lacks urgency on issues like hostage returns and condemning Hamas.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa is expected to attend, along with ministers from dozens of countries. Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour called the event a “unique opportunity” to act decisively for peace and end the conflict.
As over 100 countries prepare to speak, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza is likely to be a central theme throughout the three-day summit.
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