Palestinian Statehood Momentum
What the Two-State Summit Could Mean for Israel and Palestine
Major world powers gather in New York for a summit on Palestinian statehood, as multiple countries announce recognition plans despite opposition from Israel and the US.
Dozens of world leaders are set to gather in New York for a summit co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia aimed at bolstering a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The meeting is expected to see several countries formally recognize a Palestinian state.
The summit comes as support for a Palestinian state grows, with Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal having already announced their recognition on Sunday. France and five other nations are expected to follow suit today.
Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, condemned the event, calling it a “circus” and a move that “is actually rewarding terrorism.” Israeli officials have stated that in response to these diplomatic actions, Israel is considering annexing parts of Judea and Samaria and imposing bilateral measures against countries like France. The U.S. has also warned of possible consequences for any country that takes measures against Israel.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who has been a driving force behind the initiative, called the declaration a "roadmap that begins with the top priorities: a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza."
He added that once those goals are achieved, the next step would be a plan for the day after.
Mixed Reactions on the Ground
The prospect of a Palestinian state has been met with mixed reactions. In Gaza, displaced Palestinian Nabeel Jaber expressed skepticism, stating to Reuters,
"Even if countries such as Australia, Canada, and France... acknowledge Palestine, I believe there will still be no serious pressure on Israel to grant the Palestinians their rights." He added, "I also hope that diplomatically, this recognition by major world powers with global influence will serve as a tool to pressure, strong enough to push for a complete ceasefire and an end to the war.”
In Judea and Samaria, however, residents appeared more optimistic.
"It is a victory for the historic rights of the Palestinians," said Mohammed Abu Al Fahim.
Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, Israelis remain hurted by the October 2023 Hamas attack. Film student Tamara Raveh, 25, questioned the peace efforts, stating,
"We've offered them peace about five times. They could have agreed to any one of those, and they never, ever chose peace. So why do we need to choose peace with people who want to kidnap, murder, rape our people? I don't think we need to do that."