New York (TDI): The high-level UN conference aimed at advancing Palestinian statehood, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, will now take place on July 28 and 29 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The gathering, titled “High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution”, had been delayed last month following Israel’s 12-day military operation against Iran that began on June 13.
French President Emmanuel Macron had cited logistical and security concerns as the reason for the delay, but stressed at the time that France remained firmly committed to pushing forward the two-state solution.
He is expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state during the upcoming conference, and has called on the United Kingdom to follow suit.
Read More: Macron Urges UK to Back Palestinian Statehood
Palestine is currently recognized by 147 out of 193 UN member states, though it holds only observer status within the world body and has yet to gain full membership.
At a preparatory session held in May, Manal Radwan, a senior official from Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry, described the conference as “urgently needed,” pointing to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“Saudi Arabia stands with all nations working for a real and irreversible path to peace,” she said.
“This conference is an opportunity to finally resolve the Palestinian question through peaceful and just means.”
Read More: Saudi Arabia, France Urge Renewed Effort for Palestinian State
Saudi Arabia and France are expected to lead efforts in drafting a joint declaration focused on security guarantees, reconstruction, and the establishment of a clear roadmap for implementing a two-state framework.
More details on the agenda and participating delegations are expected to be released by the UN early next week.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
