The UK and France have stepped back from plans to recognize a Palestinian state at a conference scheduled for 17-20 June in New York, diplomats confirm.
Initially, France, led by President Emmanuel Macron, had pushed for recognition as “a moral duty and political requirement.”
However, French officials informed Israel this week that the conference will not result in recognition but will instead focus on defining a pathway toward it.
This shift follows pressure from the US and Israel’s vow to expand West Bank settlements in retaliation.
The conference, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, will now prioritize steps such as a permanent Gaza ceasefire, the release of Israeli captives, Palestinian Authority reforms, economic reconstruction, and ending Hamas’s rule in Gaza.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called recognition at this stage “symbolic,” stressing France’s “particular responsibility” as a UN Security Council member to align with allies.
Kenneth Roth, former Human Rights Watch Executive Director, warned on X that these steps risk delaying recognition indefinitely, urging pressure on Israel to stop obstructing statehood.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz described plans for 22 new West Bank settlements as “a strategic move that prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state.”
While 147 countries recognize Palestine, much of Europe remains hesitant, traditionally tying recognition to Israel’s approval.
Ireland, Spain, and Norway recognized Palestine last year, reflecting growing support for unilateral recognition to pressure Israel.
Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas told Middle East Eye that France’s push was “serious” with EU and Saudi backing, but domestic Israeli support for Palestinian statehood is minimal, with only a fifth of voters favoring a two-state solution.
The conference, supported by eight working groups, aims to lay groundwork for a two-state solution, though Israel and the US may boycott, having attended preparatory meetings silently.