United Nations conference aimed at reviving the two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians has been postponed due to "logistical and security reasons" following Israel’s strikes against Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday.
The conference, co-organized by France and Saudi Arabia, was set to take place in New York next week. Macron emphasized that the delay does not diminish France’s commitment to advancing Palestinian statehood. "This postponement does not call into question our determination to move forward with the implementation of the two-state solution, whatever the circumstances," he told reporters. A new date will be set in the coming days.
Israel’s large-scale airstrikes on Iran late Thursday targeted nuclear and military sites, killing high-ranking officials and further destabilizing the region. The attack prompted concerns about broader conflict, complicating diplomatic efforts.
Even before Macron’s announcement, European and British officials had privately anticipated a postponement. One European diplomat, speaking anonymously to POLITICO, described the conference as "collateral damage" of the Israeli strikes.
The U.S. had reportedly discouraged allies from participating, arguing that rewarding Hamas—which initiated the October 7 attack that sparked the Gaza war—would be counterproductive, according to a Reuters report citing a leaked diplomatic cable. Neither Macron’s office nor the U.S. Embassy in Paris immediately responded to requests for comment.
France has historically maintained close ties with Israel. However, Macron’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strained over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and escalating tensions with Iran and Hezbollah. While Macron condemned the strikes on Iran, he affirmed France’s willingness to defend Israel if attacked.
Macron had hoped the conference would encourage European nations to formally recognize Palestinian statehood and foster normalization between Israel and Arab states. Yet, outrage over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis has forced Paris to scale back expectations.
In April, Macron suggested France might recognize Palestine under certain conditions but has since struggled to rally broader European support. "Our objective is to initiate a political process, bringing together countries from our continent and others to recognize Palestinian statehood in a step-by-step approach," he said Friday.
British officials, while planning to attend, expressed skepticism about immediate recognition, insisting it should only follow a viable two-state solution. Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group noted that France may condition recognition on reforms within the Palestinian Authority and reciprocal Arab engagement with Israel.