World Leaders Move to Recognise Palestinian State at New York Summit

 

A high-profile summit in New York, led by France and Saudi Arabia, is expected to see several world leaders formally recognise a Palestinian state, a move Israel strongly opposes. Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal recognised Palestine on Sunday, with France and others set to follow. Israel and the U.S. are boycotting the meeting, with Israel’s ambassador dismissing it as a “circus.” 

The initiative revives the long-dormant two-state solution first introduced in the Oslo Accords of 1993 but largely abandoned after years of setbacks. Germany and Italy remain cautious, warning recognition should only follow a negotiated settlement. Russia, however, reiterated its belief that a two-state solution is the only way forward. The summit comes amid escalating violence in Gaza and the West Bank. More than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, according to local authorities.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out recognising a Palestinian state and is considering retaliatory steps, including annexing parts of the occupied West Bank and imposing measures against France.

Israel’s possible response to the recognition of a Palestinian state has drawn global concern. Annexation of West Bank territory is one option being discussed, but such a move risks damaging Israel’s relations with countries like the United Arab Emirates, a key player in the region that normalised ties with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords. 

The U.S. has also cautioned against retaliatory action, warning of consequences if Israel takes measures against France or other nations involved. France’s leadership has been central in pushing forward the recognition effort, with President Emmanuel Macron seeking to give weight to a movement once dominated by smaller states critical of Israel. French officials insist the declaration reflects their commitment to a two-state solution before it disappears as an option altogether. 

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Despite the symbolic boost, many Palestinians in Gaza remain sceptical that recognition will bring real change, as the war continues and families flee bombardments. In Tel Aviv, some Israelis argue Palestinians rejected multiple past peace offers, leaving little reason to trust a two-state process now. The divide remains sharp.