UN to Host High-Level Conference on Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process

The United Nations is set to convene a high-level international conference from June 17 to 20, 2025, at its headquarters in New York, aiming to advance the implementation of UN resolutions concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the two-state solution. Co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the "High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution" seeks to develop a widely supported international framework addressing key issues such as the disarmament of Hamas, the release of hostages, the reform of the Palestinian Authority, and post-conflict planning, including considerations for a two-state solution.

This initiative follows a UN General Assembly resolution adopted on December 3, 2024, which called for the organization of this conference to implement relevant resolutions and achieve a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The resolution received 157 votes in favor, eight against, and seven abstentions. The General Assembly emphasized that a two-state solution remains the "only path to lasting peace" in the Middle East, urging both parties to fulfill their obligations under international law and previously signed agreements.

Preparatory meetings have been held to lay the groundwork for the conference. On May 24, 2025, in Paris, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot hosted counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan to discuss the conference's agenda and objectives. During his visit to Indonesia, French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that only a political solution can restore peace and support long-term rebuilding.

The conference aims to adopt an action-oriented outcome document entitled "Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and Implementation of the Two-State Solution," charting an irreversible pathway towards peace. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need to preserve the viability of peaceful coexistence between an independent Palestine and Israel.

France and Saudi Arabia have been vocal in their support for the conference. French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that France might officially recognize a Palestinian state in June 2025, emphasizing that such recognition would be part of a broader international initiative aimed at advancing peace in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, criticized Israel for blocking a planned delegation of Arab ministers from visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, labeling it as an act of "extremism and rejection of peace."

Israel has expressed opposition to the conference, stating that both the recognition of a Palestinian state and the conference itself would amount to a reward for Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the creation of a Palestinian state and advocates annexing parts of the West Bank, rejecting both two-state and one-state solutions. In late May 2025, Israel blocked a planned meeting in Ramallah involving senior Arab foreign ministers from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, citing security concerns. The ministers intended to discuss international recognition of a future Palestinian state—a topic strongly opposed by the current right-wing Israeli government.

The conference represents a significant diplomatic effort to address longstanding issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to work towards a sustainable and peaceful resolution. The potential recognition of a Palestinian state by major international players like France could shift the geopolitical landscape, influencing other nations' positions and potentially leading to broader recognition. However, Israel's opposition and actions, such as blocking diplomatic meetings, indicate significant challenges ahead. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 54,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, reported dead since Israel’s military campaign began, underscores the urgent need for a resolution.

As the conference approaches, the international community watches closely, hopeful that this initiative will pave the way for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.