France and Saudi Arabia will host a major world summit on Monday, gathering dozens of leaders to push for a two-state solution as momentum grows for formal recognition of a Palestinian state. The event comes as several nations, including Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, have already announced recognition, while France and five others are expected to follow suit.The summit, convened in New York ahead of the UN General Assembly, faces sharp opposition from Israel and the United States. Both countries have announced they will boycott, with Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon labeling the gathering a "circus" that rewards terrorism. Washington has also warned of diplomatic consequences for nations recognizing Palestine.
Israeli officials hinted at possible retaliatory measures, including annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank. Meanwhile, violence in Gaza and the West Bank continues to escalate, with Israel intensifying its military operations following the October 2023 Hamas attack. That assault killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. In response, more than 65,000 Palestinians have since been killed, according to local health authorities.
Amid this crisis, the UN General Assembly recently endorsed a declaration calling for "tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps" toward a two-state solution. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized that the declaration is a practical roadmap, prioritizing a ceasefire, hostage release, and humanitarian access into Gaza before broader political negotiations.
On the ground, Palestinians express mixed feelings. Some see recognition as a symbolic victory, while others doubt it will translate into meaningful pressure on Israel. "Even if countries recognize Palestine, there will be no real progress unless Israel is pushed to grant rights," said displaced resident Nabeel Jaber.
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, however, optimism is stronger. Residents view recognition by major powers as validation of their historic rights and a possible turning point in global diplomacy.
Whether symbolic or substantial, the wave of recognition signals a growing international impatience with the conflict. For many observers, Monday's summit could mark a decisive step toward either reviving—or finally burying—the two-state vision.
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