France, Saudi Arabia to Lead Summit on Palestinian Statehood Amid Israeli and US Boycott

France and Saudi Arabia will host dozens of world leaders in New York on Monday in a high-stakes summit aimed at rallying support for a two-state solution and formal recognition of a Palestinian state. The gathering, taking place ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, could mark a turning point in international efforts to end the decades-long conflict, though it has already drawn sharp opposition from Israel and the United States.

Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon confirmed that both Israel and Washington would boycott the meeting, dismissing it as a “circus.” He argued the summit “rewards terrorism” rather than advancing peace. Israeli officials have also warned of possible retaliatory measures, including the annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank and diplomatic pushback against France.

The Biden administration has signaled its own displeasure, cautioning that countries moving toward recognition of Palestine could face consequences. President Emmanuel Macron, however, has pushed ahead, declaring in July that France would recognize a Palestinian state, a move Paris hopes will encourage other major powers to follow suit.

Momentum is already building. Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday, with France and at least five more nations expected to do so during Monday’s summit. Some governments plan to condition recognition on reforms within the Palestinian Authority, while others intend to phase in normalization of diplomatic ties.

The urgency surrounding the talks comes as Israel presses a ground offensive into Gaza City, nearly two years after Hamas’s October 2023 attack killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 hostages taken. In response, Israel launched a sweeping campaign that Gaza health authorities say has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and displaced millions. Violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank has further fueled calls for international action.

Earlier this month, the UN General Assembly endorsed a declaration calling for “tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps” toward a two-state solution, while demanding Hamas disarm and release hostages. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the summit will prioritize securing a ceasefire, ensuring humanitarian access, and planning for Gaza’s future governance. “The New York Declaration is not a vague promise for the distant future,” he said, describing it as a roadmap toward lasting peace.

Reactions on the ground remain mixed. In Gaza, displaced resident Nabeel Jaber voiced skepticism, saying recognition alone would not pressure Israel to grant Palestinian rights. In the West Bank, however, some residents welcomed the move as a symbolic victory for their historic claims. In Tel Aviv, others expressed deep mistrust, arguing Palestinians had rejected previous peace offers.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will not attend in person after the US denied him a visa but is expected to address the summit by video. Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin said the gathering marks a turning point: “The world is saying out loud a Palestinian state, and now they need to show what these measures are.”