2025 New York Peace Conference on Gaza
| Date | 28–29 July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Venue | United Nations Headquarters |
| Location | New York, United States |
| Theme | Peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and implementation of the two-State solution[1] |
| Organised by | United Nations |
| Participants | France (sponsor) Saudi Arabia (sponsor) Brazil Canada Egypt Indonesia Ireland Italy Japan Jordan Mexico Norway Qatar Senegal Spain Turkey United Kingdom European Union League of Arab States |
An international conference will be held in New York on July 28–29, 2025. It was initially scheduled for June 17–20 but was delayed due to the continuing war between Iran and Israel.[2] The conference aims to develop a widely supported international framework addressing the disarmament of Hamas,[3] the release of hostages, the reform of the Palestinian Authority, and post-conflict planning, including consideration of a two-state solution. Several Western countries are expected to recognize the State of Palestine during or following the conference.
Background
On 24 May in Paris, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot hosted his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan for a working session dedicated to preparing for the conference. During his visit to Indonesia, French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that only a political solution can restore peace and support long-term rebuilding.[4]
On 3 June, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that France is "fulfilling its role in supporting the convening of an international conference under United Nations auspices." He added that Paris is working to ensure the summit delivers ambitious and tangible outcomes.[5]
French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that the recognition of a Palestinian state could be considered during the conference.[6] Israel rejected Macron's suggestion regarding recognition, stating that both the recognition and the conference itself would amount to a reward for Hamas.[7] Foreign Minister Barrot responded by encouraging Prime Minister Netanyahu to revisit his 2009 remarks endorsing a two-state solution.[8]
On 10 June 2025, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas sent a letter to Macron in which he condemned Hamas's actions of 7 October. He also endorsed the disarmament of Hamas and stated that the movement should play no role in the governance of the Gaza Strip.[9] He also pledged to reform the Palestinian Authority and hold elections within a year, invited Arab and international forces to deploy in Gaza to stabilize the security situation, and supporting a peace deal with Israel that creates a demilitarized Palestinian state.[10] On 11 June, it was reported that the United States administration had issued a diplomatic cable strongly urging countries not to participate in the two-state solution conference. The message emphasized that the United States opposes any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. It further stated that countries taking actions perceived as antagonistic to Prime Minister Netanyahu's government would be viewed as acting against U.S. interests and could face diplomatic consequences.[11]
Planned recognition of Palestine
It has been reported that the purpose of the conference is to achieve further recognition of Palestinian statehood. Palestine is currently recognized by three-fourths of UN member states. Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed in May 2025 that Malta would recognize Palestine following the conference.[12] NPR correspondant Daniel Estrin reported that Belgium, Luxembourg, Croatia and Greece are expected to extend recognition during the conference.[13] According to Politico, France has lobbied allies such as the Netherlands and the United Kingdom to recognize Palestine as well.[6]
While France has suggested that it might recognize Palestine during the conference,[6] Estrin reported that France is expected to hold off until the end of the Gaza war, along with Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom.[13]
United States government opposition
The Trump administration has called on countries to not attend the conference, and has warned of potential diplomatic consequences should any measures be taken that are deemed hostile toward Israel.[11]
References
- ^ "Diplomats prepare ground for June conference on two-State solution for Israel and Palestine | UN News". news.un.org. May 23, 2025.
- ^ "Major two-state solution conference set to be postponed after Israeli strikes on Iran". 13 June 2025.
- ^ "France, Saudi Arabia Aim to Disarm Hamas in New Peace Push". Bloomberg News. 2025-05-22.
- ^ Irish, John (2025-05-28). "Macron navigates rocky path to recognising Palestinian state". Reuters. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
- ^ ""International support needed to establish Palestinian state," says French FM". WAFA Agency.
- ^ a b c "France lobbying Europeans, UK to recognize Palestinian statehood". POLITICO. 2025-05-27. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
- ^ Wagenheim, Mike (2025-05-26). "UN holds prep meeting for June two-state solution conference". JNS.org. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
- ^ "باريس تذكّر نتنياهو بتصريحاته المؤيدة لحل الدولتين في 2009". العربية (in Arabic). 2025-06-03. Retrieved 2025-06-04.
- ^ Cohen, Roger (2025-06-10). "Palestinian Authority President Says Hamas Must Exit Gaza". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ^ France seeks 'momentum' before recognizing Palestinian state
- ^ a b Irish, John; Pamuk, Humeyra; Pamuk, Humeyra (2025-06-11). "Exclusive: US slams UN conference on Israel-Palestinian issue, warns of consequences". Reuters. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
- ^ "Malta announces to recognize State of Palestine next month". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
- ^ a b Estrin, Daniel. "Major Western countries coming together to support recognition of a Palestinian state". NPR. Retrieved 11 June 2025.