UN to Convene Major Conference on Palestinian Peace and Two-State Solution

The United Nations is set to convene a high-level international conference titled "International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution" at its headquarters in New York on July 28–29, 2025. Co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the conference aims 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 consideration of a two-state solution.

Originally scheduled for June 17–20, the conference was postponed due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, which created logistical challenges for Middle Eastern delegations. The rescheduled conference seeks to revitalize efforts toward achieving a two-state solution, a longstanding goal of international diplomacy.

The United States has expressed strong opposition to the conference. The Trump administration issued a diplomatic cable urging countries not to participate, warning of potential diplomatic consequences for those supporting actions perceived as anti-Israel. The cable stated, "We are urging governments not to participate in the conference, which we view as counterproductive to ongoing, life-saving efforts to end the war in Gaza and free hostages." It further emphasized that the U.S. opposes any steps that would unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state, viewing such actions as adding significant legal and political obstacles to the eventual resolution of the conflict.

Despite U.S. opposition, several Western countries are expected to recognize the State of Palestine during or following the conference. Malta has confirmed its intention to recognize Palestine, while Belgium, Luxembourg, Croatia, and Greece are also anticipated to extend recognition. France has lobbied allies such as the Netherlands and the United Kingdom to recognize Palestine as well. French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested that France could recognize a Palestinian state during the conference, though it may wait until the end of the Gaza conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the creation of a Palestinian state, stating that Israel will not participate in a conference that does not urgently address condemning Hamas and securing the return of hostages. Netanyahu has also voiced support for U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to redevelop Gaza into a luxury waterfront, dubbed the "Riviera of the Middle East," suggesting that Palestinians should be allowed to leave Gaza if they choose. This plan has been widely condemned by international allies, Arab leaders, and human rights groups as a violation of international law and akin to ethnic cleansing.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "The two-State solution is near a point of no return. The international community has a responsibility to prevent perpetual occupation and violence." He called on member states to take irreversible action toward implementing a two-state solution and to support the Palestinian Authority politically and financially to ensure the continued viability of Palestinian institutions.

The conference represents a significant international effort to address the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to advance the implementation of a two-state solution. The potential recognition of Palestinian statehood by several Western countries could have profound implications for the region's political dynamics and the prospects for peace. However, the U.S. and Israel's opposition to the conference and its potential diplomatic consequences highlight the complexities of international relations surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As the conference approaches, the international community remains divided on the best path forward for Israeli-Palestinian peace. The outcomes of the conference could significantly influence the future of the two-state solution and the broader Middle East peace process.