World Summit Pushes Two-State Solution as More Countries Recognise Palestine

Displaced Palestinians, fleeing northern Gaza due to an Israeli military operation, move southwards after Israeli forces ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate to the south, in the central Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters

France and Saudi Arabia are convening dozens of world leaders in New York on Monday to rally support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with several countries expected to formally recognise a Palestinian state.

Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal announced recognition on Sunday, with France and others set to follow. Germany and Italy have held back, warning that unilateral recognition could be «counterproductive.»

Israel and the United States are boycotting the summit. Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon dismissed the gathering as a «circus» and officials in Jerusalem signalled potential retaliation, including annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank. Such a move risks straining ties with Arab partners like the UAE, which has warned annexation would «strike at the heart» of the Abraham Accords.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the move as «a symbolic, immediate, political decision that demonstrates France’s commitment to the two-state solution.» Palestinian and Israeli flags were projected onto the Eiffel Tower on Sunday night in a symbolic gesture.

Still, with Israel’s military offensive continuing in Gaza and violence rising in the West Bank, many doubt recognitions will change realities on the ground.

«Even if countries acknowledge Palestine, I believe there will still be no serious pressure on Israel to grant the Palestinians their rights,» said displaced Palestinian Nabeel Jaber.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Uzbekistan and Kenya have taken a significant step in expanding bilateral engagement by signing an agreement to establish formal diplomatic relations.