UN conference pushes for two-state solution amid shifting global stances on Palestine

NEW YORK — A high-level United Nations conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia opened this week with an urgent call for concrete steps toward a two-state solution, underscoring international resolve to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

New York Declaration calls for action

The New York Declaration, issued at the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, marked a notable shift from diplomatic platitudes to calls for real action. It emphasized that only a political solution rooted in international law can fulfill the aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis. The declaration reaffirmed that a two-state solution remains the only realistic path to resolving the conflict. 

Notably absent from the room was the United States and Israel. Washington dismissed the event as a “publicity stunt” while Israel called it “divorced from reality.” With broad support from UN member states, the meeting went ahead.

Europe at a crossroads 

French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of his intent to formally recognize the State of Palestine in September is putting renewed pressure on EU Member States to define their positions. France’s leadership signals a shift within Europe, from maintaining consensus to shaping outcomes. 

Momentum is building across Western capitals. Canada, Malta, and the UK have all announced their intent to back recognition of Palestine at the UN General Assembly this September, aligning with France. 

Meanwhile Germany and Italy continue to urge caution. Berlin reiterated that recognition should follow a negotiated settlement, favoring quiet diplomacy over public declarations, according to German officials. Yet, Germany’s foreign affairs minister hinted the country won’t stay silent if Israel acts unilaterally to expand its territory – undermining a potential two-state solution.

On the other side, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned that recognizing Palestine prematurely would be “counterproductive.” 

For its part, the European Commission continues to prioritize humanitarian  aid and reconstruction in Gaza, while quietly encouraging political dialogue behind the scenes.