In a renewed push to end the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, the United Nations is convening an International High‑Level Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian State issue.
Co‑chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the meeting will be held in New York and seeks to establish a clear roadmap toward an independent Palestine coexisting peacefully alongside Israel.
New Dates and Preparatory Sessions
Originally planned for mid‑June, the conference was delayed due to heightened tensions between Iran and Israel.
Preparatory meetings at the foreign‑minister level are now scheduled for July 28–29, 2025, in New York. These sessions will set the agenda for a broader summit alongside the UN General Assembly in September 2025.
Eight Working Groups Target Core Issues
Organizers have formed eight thematic working groups to draft detailed proposals.
Key focus areas include:
- Establishing a permanent ceasefire in Gaza
- Securing the release of detained civilians
- Launching Gaza’s reconstruction and humanitarian relief
- Reforming and strengthening Palestinian Authority institutions
Push for Wider Recognition of the Palestinian State
One of the conference’s primary objectives is to increase the number of UN member states recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Currently, over 140 out of 193 UN countries formally acknowledge Palestine.
Yet, major Western powers—including the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States—have so far declined to grant recognition.
U.S. and Israel Boycott
Both Washington and Jerusalem have announced they will boycott the conference, publicly criticizing its expected outcomes.
The U.S. government warned allied capitals against participating, hinting at possible diplomatic repercussions for nations that proceed.
European Momentum Builds
President Emmanuel Macron of France has pledged to recognize the Palestinian State during the UN General Assembly in September, potentially becoming the first G7 leader to do so.
This follows 2024 recognitions by Ireland, Norway, Spain, and several Caribbean nations (Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago).
In total, 10 countries have extended recognition since the October 7, 2023, outbreak of renewed hostilities in Gaza.
Recognitions and Withdrawals
- New Recognitions (2024–2025): Bahamas; Barbados; Jamaica; Trinidad & Tobago; Armenia; Spain; Ireland; Norway; Slovenia; and soon, France.
- Withdrawals or Holds: Hungary and the Czech Republic have retracted or paused recognition, aligning with Israel’s current administration.
- Papua New Guinea affirmed its support for Israel and does not recognize Palestine.
- Malta has signaled readiness to recognize once conditions are “favourable,” but no official declaration has followed.
In other parts of Europe, Slovenia, Malta and Belgium are yet to recognize Palestinian statehood.
Australia, the United States, Canada, Japan and South Korea also do not.
Context of the Ongoing Conflict
Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has led to widespread devastation, prompting international outcry.
More than 203,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured, and over 10,000 remain missing, while hundreds of thousands face displacement and famine conditions.
As the UN conference approaches, the global community watches closely to see if this high‑level diplomatic effort can overcome longstanding obstacles and chart a viable path toward lasting peace and Palestinian statehood.
