PARIS — A scheduled high-level United Nations conference aimed at advancing a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians has been postponed, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. This pause arises amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Originally set to take place next week in New York, the event has now been delayed, Macron announced on Friday.
France and Saudi Arabia were set to co-chair this significant conference under the auspices of the U.N. General Assembly from June 17 to June 20, with key global leaders, including Macron, slated to attend. The intent, especially from the Palestinian Authority’s perspective, was to rejuvenate the long-stagnant peace talks.
Despite the postponement, Macron reaffirmed his “determination to recognize the state of Palestine” at some future juncture. He emphasized France’s long-standing advocacy for a comprehensive approach where Palestinian statehood is acknowledged alongside Israel’s right to ensure its own security.
Following recent Israeli military actions targeting Iran, Macron reassured that French forces are poised to support their allies in the region, including Israel, though he highlighted that France would not engage in any military strikes against Iran.
The conference’s postponement, Macron mentioned to reporters, was rooted in issues of logistics, security, and the inability of certain Palestinian representatives to attend. He emphasized his commitment to reschedule the meeting “as soon as possible” and noted ongoing discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to find a new date.
In a letter addressed to all 193 U.N. member states, the ambassadors from France and Saudi Arabia cited “current circumstances in the Middle East” as the reason for the hindrance preventing leaders from the region from traveling to New York. As a result, the event, initially set to begin in the General Assembly hall on June 17, will only open briefly to acknowledge and agree on its postponement, inviting global participation at this session.
“We are resolute in our intention to resume the conference at the earliest feasible date,” the ambassadors reiterated. The broader aim, as Macron pointed out, is to create a “demilitarized Palestinian state that acknowledges the existence and security of Israel,” explicitly excluding leadership elements from Hamas from the proposed state.
The connection between the conference’s agenda and current conflicts, including the hostilities between Israel and Iran, the situation in Gaza, and the broader condition of Palestinians, was emphasized as “interlinked” by Macron.
On Friday, Macron engaged in consultations with ten global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, delving into the ramifications of Israel’s military operations in Iran.
One of the objectives of the U.N. conference was to elevate the number of nations recognizing Palestinian territories as an independent state. Currently, over 145 out of the 193 U.N. member nations offer such recognition. Palestinians envision their statehood to extend over Gaza, the West Bank, and select East Jerusalem as the capital.
Yet, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu remains firm in his opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state, and Israel had already chosen not to attend the planned conference.