Macron Confirms Delay of Palestine-Israel UN Peace Talks \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A UN-backed conference on a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine has been postponed due to regional instability. President Macron cited logistical and security concerns, affirming support for a demilitarized Palestinian state. France and Saudi Arabia plan to reschedule the summit following Middle East tensions and Israel’s strikes on Iran.
Quick Looks
- A major UN conference on a Palestinian state has been delayed.
- Originally planned for June 17–20 in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
- The delay stems from heightened tensions after Israel’s strike on Iran.
- Macron reaffirmed France’s goal to recognize Palestine and promote peace talks.
- The conference’s aim was to revive the stalled peace process and increase international recognition for Palestine.
- Macron emphasized the future Palestinian state would be demilitarized and exclude Hamas leaders.
- France will support regional partners but not join attacks on Iran.
- Over 145 UN nations already recognize Palestinian statehood; Israel rejects the two-state solution.
Deep Look
A highly anticipated United Nations conference aimed at reviving peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians has been officially postponed, amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. The summit, initially scheduled to take place from June 17 to 20 in New York, was expected to focus on promoting a two-state solution—long viewed as the international community’s roadmap to ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the delay on Friday, citing mounting regional instability and logistical challenges. France and Saudi Arabia were set to co-chair the summit, with Macron among the world leaders expected to participate. The Palestinian Authority had placed high hopes on the conference to reignite the long-dormant peace negotiations.
Despite the postponement, Macron reiterated France’s long-standing support for the recognition of a Palestinian state, stating, “I am determined to recognize the state of Palestine.” He emphasized, however, that such recognition must occur alongside an acknowledgment of Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, reinforcing a balanced diplomatic approach.
The decision to suspend the summit comes just days after Israel launched strikes on Iran, triggering heightened security concerns throughout the region. Macron made it clear that while France is committed to defending its regional allies—including Israel—French forces will not participate in any offensive operations against Iran.
Speaking to reporters, Macron attributed the delay to both logistical and security issues, noting that some Palestinian delegates had been unable to attend the original event. He expressed confidence that the conference would be rescheduled soon, and stated that ongoing discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman were underway to determine a new date.
The French and Saudi UN ambassadors, Jerome Bonnafont and Abdulaziz Alwasil, sent a joint letter to all 193 UN member states, confirming that the summit would open on June 17 in the General Assembly hall only to formally announce its suspension. They encouraged all nations to participate in the opening session and reaffirmed their commitment to holding the full conference at the earliest feasible time.
Macron made clear that the ultimate objective of the summit is the establishment of a “demilitarized Palestinian state that recognizes the existence and security of Israel.” He also noted that any future Palestinian government must exclude Hamas, distancing the peace process from militant factions.
The French president stressed that the broader Middle East conflict—including the war in Gaza, Iran-Israel tensions, and the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians—is deeply interconnected. On Friday, he engaged in diplomatic outreach with 10 world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, discussing the fallout of Israel’s strikes and potential global repercussions.
One of the summit’s key goals was to encourage more nations to formally recognize Palestinian statehood. Currently, over 145 of the 193 UN member countries have acknowledged Palestine, which envisions its state encompassing the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem as its capital.
However, Israel has remained firm in its opposition. Prime Minister Netanyahu has outright rejected the creation of a Palestinian state and confirmed that Israel would not take part in the conference. His stance highlights the deep divisions still present, even as international pressure mounts for a renewed peace initiative.
While the delay represents a setback for Palestinian advocates, Macron’s commitment to resuming the conference reflects ongoing diplomatic momentum. With global support for Palestinian statehood growing and regional instability intensifying, the stakes for resuming negotiations are higher than ever.
Macron Confirms Delay
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