A high-level international meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is taking place in New York on Monday, as France and Saudi Arabia bring together dozens of world leaders to push forward a two-state solution. The summit coincides with renewed fighting in Gaza and mounting tensions over the West Bank.

Several countries, including France, are preparing to officially recognize a Palestinian state. On Sunday, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal announced recognition, while France and five others are expected to follow suit.

Israel and the United States will boycott the event. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, dismissed the summit as a “circus,” claiming it rewards terrorism. Israeli officials have also warned that annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank is under consideration, along with specific measures against Paris.

palestine recognition

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, addresses delegates at the United Nations General Assembly before a vote on the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 12, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

The United States has cautioned allies that such recognition could carry consequences, with Washington signaling opposition to steps that undermine Israel.

The summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of the UN General Assembly, comes as Israel intensifies its long-anticipated ground operation in Gaza. The offensive, launched two years after the Hamas attacks that sparked the war, has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to local health authorities. The campaign has also caused famine and displaced much of the population.

Estimates suggest that Israel has violated Palestinian airspace repeatedly this year, while violence in the West Bank is escalating. Many in the international community argue the urgency for a two-state solution is greater than ever before.

The UN General Assembly this month endorsed a declaration outlining “concrete, binding and irreversible steps” toward a two-state framework, while condemning Hamas and calling for its disarmament. Israel and the U.S. rejected the plan as harmful and purely symbolic.

France has taken a leading role, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot describing the “New York Declaration” as a roadmap beginning with an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.

palestine recognition

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas looks on, ahead of a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Downing Street, London, Britain, September 8, 2025. Jonathan Brady/Pool via REUTERS

While Palestinians in Gaza remain skeptical, some in the West Bank view recognition as a diplomatic victory. Israel, however, maintains it has no confidence in Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to carry out reforms. The 89-year-old leader will address the summit by video after U.S. authorities refused to issue visas for him and his delegation.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, co-host of the meeting, will also participate remotely.

“The world is now speaking openly about a Palestinian state,” said Palestinian Foreign Minister Wasseh Aghabekian Shahin on Sunday. “The question is how to turn that into concrete measures.”