The discussion around Palestinian statehood is set to be a major focus at a conference jointly hosted by France and Saudi Arabia at the United Nations. This event coincides with the annual U.N. General Assembly gathering in New York, drawing world leaders to address critical global issues.
A significant number of countries are expected to formally recognize Palestine as a state, with approximately ten nations, including France and Belgium, joining 147 existing U.N. member states that already consider Palestine a sovereign nation. Australia, Britain, Canada, and Portugal notably confirmed their recognition just before the summit. This symbolic action aims to revitalize efforts toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a resolution that currently seems more distant than ever due to the ongoing Gaza war, rapid expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency last week, stating, “We absolutely must do everything and mobilize as much as we can the international community to make sure that the two-state solution prevails.” He questioned, “What is the alternative?”
However, practical changes on the ground are unlikely to immediately follow this recognition. At the United Nations, it won’t instantly elevate Palestine from an observer state to full membership, a change that would require U.N. Security Council approval and would likely face a veto from the United States.
Despite this, diplomats from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia believe the conference will highlight broad international consensus and the growing isolation of the United States on this matter, as several of its Western allies pursue different policies. Richard Gowan, U.N. director for the International Crisis Group, noted that this move suggests “there is still some potential pathway to a diplomatic solution for the Palestinians, even if everyone recognizes that it is an extremely long pathway.”
The United States and Israel oppose the conference, arguing that recognizing a Palestinian state now would embolden Hamas, especially while Israel is still engaged in conflict with the militant group in Gaza and hostages from the October 7, 2023, attacks remain unreleased. Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, dismissed the initiative as “one-sided” and “theater.”
Prior to the conference, the General Assembly overwhelmingly ratified the “New York Declaration” with 142 votes in favor. This document, proposed by France and Saudi Arabia, advocates for the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. It outlines “tangible, time-bound and irreversible steps” toward a two-state solution and condemns the 2023 Hamas-led attacks, Israel’s actions against civilians and infrastructure in Gaza, and the resulting humanitarian crisis.
Here’s what else to know about the conference:
- Key speakers: The event will take place in the U.N. General Assembly hall for approximately three hours. Speakers will include U.N. Secretary-General Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron, with other country representatives also expected to address the gathering. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is slated to deliver a virtual address.
- Palestinian presence: Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority (which governs parts of the West Bank), will participate virtually from Ramallah, as the United States denied visas to him and his delegation.
- A new approach to peace: Diplomats observe that traditional peace brokering, which deferred Palestinian statehood to the final stages of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, has largely failed. This conference seeks to reverse that approach, beginning with state recognition as a foundation for achieving peace.
- Protests: Anticipation of the U.N. discussions on Palestinian statehood sparked widespread emotion. In Italy, tens of thousands protested in solidarity with Palestinians in cities like Milan and Rome during a one-day general strike. And in France, more than 50 town halls across the country defied government warnings by raising Palestinian flags, just hours before President Emmanuel Macron’s expected formal recognition.
Following Canada’s recognition of Palestine, Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed a desire for policy alignment with the United States. Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, he stated, “We would hope that there would be convergence with the United States,” adding that Canada would “certainly support leadership of the United States that’s leading to outcomes that are consistent with our values.”
French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived at the U.N. General Assembly hall, where he was seen greeting other world leaders with the traditional French “bise” (two kisses). He was accompanied by his Middle Eastern adviser, Anne-Claire Legendre.
(Image caption: President Emmanuel Macron of France arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on Monday.)
A map visually displays the countries that currently recognize Palestinian statehood, illustrating the international perspective on this issue.
French President Emmanuel Macron is slated to formally acknowledge the state of Palestine at a special U.N. summit this Monday. His decision is part of a broader effort to revitalize the two-state solution, a concept envisioning independent Israeli and Palestinian states existing side-by-side. This idea, first proposed by the United Nations in 1947 but initially rejected by Arab nations and Palestinians, has been central to decades of unsuccessful peace negotiations.
Macron expressed concerns that ongoing Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank was imperiling the two-state solution, as he explained in a recent interview. His acknowledgment of Palestine is intricately linked to a comprehensive “day after” plan for Gaza, developed with Saudi Arabia since last winter. This 42-point plan, endorsed by 142 countries at the U.N. General Assembly, outlines practical steps like establishing a transitional administrative committee and a U.N.-backed stabilization force for security. Macron noted that Jordan and Egypt have already pledged troops, with Israel’s vetting of any security operation.
Macron strategically leveraged his planned recognition of Palestine to secure crucial declarations aimed at politically isolating Hamas (responsible for the deadly 2023 attacks on southern Israel) and advocating for its disarmament. The fact that many Arab and Middle Eastern countries, including some traditional allies of Hamas, signed off on this General Assembly-approved plan is considered a diplomatic success by Macron’s team.
Furthermore, Macron used this symbolic act to elicit public commitments from Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority. These commitments include holding elections in 2026 (the first in 20 years), reforming the Palestinian Authority’s administration in parts of the West Bank, and eliminating hate speech from the Palestinian education curriculum.
Just ahead of the New York summit, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal officially recognized the state of Palestine. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed these decisions as “a huge reward to terrorism,” asserting in a video statement that “A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.”
(Image caption: President Emmanuel Macron of France arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on Monday.)
When questioned about Israel’s response to the international recognition of Palestinian statehood, Ambassador Danny Danon stated, “We will take action.” He added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed a response following his U.N. visit and meeting with President Trump. Danon refrained from detailing specific actions, such as annexing additional occupied territories, noting that it would be “a discussion for the government.”
Israeli Ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, labeled Monday’s Palestinian statehood conference a “theater,” speaking to reporters as participants arrived. He asserted that while a two-state solution was debatable before the Gaza war, “after October 7, it’s off the table.” Danon challenged world leaders who proposed a Palestinian state without Hamas, questioning its practical feasibility and vowing that Israel would continue fighting until “Hamas is out of the game completely.” He concluded, “That will be the time that we can speak about the future. Not before.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York, urged world leaders to exert “real, powerful pressure on Russia” to halt its war, now in its fourth year. He shared on social media that ongoing rescue efforts were responding to recent Russian strikes across several Ukrainian regions, which had resulted in at least three fatalities overnight. “Action must be taken so that murder and war do not become routine,” Zelensky wrote.
Amid these appeals, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump would meet with Zelensky in New York on Tuesday. Despite some optimism regarding U.S.-led peace initiatives, Zelensky noted the somber fact that this is the fourth consecutive General Assembly overshadowed by Russian aggression and fatalities.
Zelensky called for “strong sanctions, strong political pressure and accountability” from Europe, the United States, the G7, and the G20. The European Union recently introduced its 19th package of sanctions, signaling a readiness to comply with Trump’s demand for European nations to cease Russian oil purchases before further U.S. sanctions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared, “It is time to turn off the tap,” emphasizing that these economic pressures would continue until Russia engages in negotiations.
Earlier, Zelensky discussed air-defense systems and missiles with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, highlighting the critical need for protection against Russian attacks. The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to address the war in Ukraine on Tuesday, with Zelensky expected to speak on Wednesday.
(Image caption: President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine before a news conference in Kyiv on Wednesday.)
White House Press Secretary Leavitt announced that President Trump would deliver a significant speech at the United Nations on Tuesday, focusing on “the renewal of American strength around the world.” She added that Trump would also address “how global institutions have significantly decayed the world order” and present his “straightforward and constructive vision for the world.”
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, President Trump’s schedule during the U.N. General Assembly in New York includes a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump is also set to engage in bilateral discussions with the U.N. Secretary-General, as well as leaders from Argentina and the European Union. A multilateral meeting with representatives from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan is also planned.
In a gesture of defiance, over 50 French town halls raised Palestinian flags on Monday, just hours before President Emmanuel Macron’s anticipated formal recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations. While a small fraction of France’s nearly 35,000 municipalities, this symbolic act was met with strong opposition from the French Interior Ministry, which cited concerns over public service neutrality and potential disturbances.
Nevertheless, left-leaning mayors in major cities such as Rennes, Nantes, and Lyon, alongside numerous Parisian suburbs, proceeded with the flag-raising. Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, at Saint-Denis town hall (where the Palestinian flag flew alongside French and EU flags), clarified, “This flag is not the flag of Hamas; it is the flag of men and women who also have the right to freedom and self-determination.” He added that while the act might not change the region’s destiny, it signals France’s broader support for the recognition of a Palestinian state.
Macron’s decision has created a rift within France, a nation with significant Jewish and Muslim populations. While praised by the left as a crucial step towards peace, right-wing politicians and some in the Jewish community argue it could embolden Hamas and that Palestinian statehood should only follow direct negotiations. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau had even directed local prefects to involve courts regarding such flag displays, declaring, “The front of a town hall is not a billboard.”
Interestingly, some municipalities like Saint-Ouen chose to fly both Israeli and Palestinian flags. The previous evening, both flags, accompanied by a dove with an olive branch, were projected onto the Eiffel Tower in Paris, underscoring the deep and often conflicting emotions surrounding the issue.
(Image caption: A Palestinian flag being placed over the entrance of the City Hall in Lyon, France, on Monday.)
The concept of Palestinian statehood raises fundamental questions about its definition, especially given undefined borders and internal leadership disagreements. International law, specifically a 1933 treaty, outlines four key criteria for statehood: a permanent population, defined territorial boundaries, a government, and the capacity to engage in international relations.
Recognition, in this context, signifies an official acknowledgment that a potential state largely fulfills these requirements, even if certain aspects, like precise territorial limits, remain contested. As Zinaida Miller, a professor of law and international affairs, notes, “interpretation matters” in legal matters of this nature.
Many international legal experts believe that Palestine largely meets these foundational criteria. It possesses a permanent population and discernible land area. Although its borders are disputed, they are generally understood to encompass Israeli-occupied territories, including the West Bank, Gaza (seized in the 1967 war), and East Jerusalem (effectively annexed by Israel).
The Palestinian Authority, established with the backing of the Palestine Liberation Organization, functions as a governmental body, administering parts of the West Bank and representing Palestinians globally. While the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Hamas’s control of Gaza impose operational limitations, international recognition of a Palestinian state would facilitate direct diplomatic engagement between the Palestinian Authority and recognizing nations. This act would also carry significant diplomatic and political weight, affirming the Palestinian right to self-determination and challenging Israeli government policies perceived to undermine this right, as highlighted by Ms. Miller.
(Image caption: The Palestinian part of Hebron in the West Bank in 2019.)
The high-level segment of the U.N. General Assembly commences this week, bringing together world leaders to confront pressing global challenges. Marking its 80th year, this gathering occurs at a critical juncture for the organization, grappling with ongoing wars and internal financial strains. Nevertheless, it remains a crucial platform, attracting over 140 heads of state, senior officials, and delegations to New York.
The week’s highlight is the General Debate, beginning Tuesday, where representatives from each member state will address various issues. Beyond this central debate, several other significant events are slated:
- On Monday, a conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia will focus on Palestinian statehood. Australia, Britain, Canada, and Portugal recently announced their formal recognition of Palestinian statehood, a step France intends to follow. Additionally, the Security Council is expected to convene an emergency meeting regarding a recent incursion by Russian fighter jets into Estonian airspace.
- Tuesday’s agenda includes two Security Council meetings: one on the war in Gaza and Middle East security (1 p.m. Eastern) and another on Ukraine (4 p.m. Eastern).
- On Wednesday, leaders will gather for a climate summit to present new commitments and discuss solutions for climate change.
- Thursday will feature discussions among leaders on the topic of artificial intelligence.
This high-level assembly also provides opportunities for critical bilateral meetings. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed interest in meeting with President Trump. There’s also potential for the Russian foreign minister to meet with his U.S. counterpart, despite recent diplomatic efforts between Moscow and Washington having shown little progress in de-escalating the conflict in Ukraine.
Here’s a day-by-day look at some of the key speakers expected:
Tuesday, Sept. 23
Traditionally, Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, will open the member state addresses. His appearance follows the sentencing of former President Jair Bolsonaro to over 27 years for a failed coup attempt, a matter on which Mr. Trump had urged leniency, though Mr. Lula has vowed not to yield to U.S. pressure.
President Trump of the United States is scheduled to speak next, following the host country’s convention. While his exact remarks are unknown, he is expected to touch upon the wars in Gaza and Ukraine (conflicts he has pledged to end, without success so far), domestic immigration policies, and global trade tariffs that have caused international concern.
The General Assembly will also hear from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as leaders from Jordan, Qatar, and Egypt. A recent Israeli airstrike in Qatar targeting Hamas officials has sparked outrage among some Arab leaders.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron will also address the chamber, advocating for the recognition of Palestinian statehood as part of his diplomatic efforts to preserve a two-state solution with Israel.
President Karol Nawrocki of Poland is set to speak in the afternoon, with his country having recently raised alarms over Russian drone incursions.
Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, will also speak, as her nation navigates pressure from Mr. Trump regarding trade and drug cartel issues.
Wednesday, Sept. 24
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is slated to speak, primarily focusing on Russia’s ongoing invasion. Despite expressing cautious optimism after an August meeting with Mr. Trump, a meeting with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin remains distant, and Moscow has intensified its drone attacks.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian is confirmed to attend and speak, according to his political adviser. His address comes after a June war with Israel that significantly impacted Iran’s military command.
Wednesday also marks the U.N. debut of Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Shara, whose rebel alliance successfully ousted Bashar al-Assad in December.
Thursday, Sept. 25
The Trump administration’s denial of visas to Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, and his delegation means he will address the Assembly virtually, following an overwhelming General Assembly vote permitting remote participation. Meanwhile, Israel’s ground operations in Gaza City continue to exacerbate a severe humanitarian crisis, leading to widespread hunger.
Prime Minister Kamil Idris of Sudan is also expected to speak, with his country having endured two years of civil war.
Friday, Sept. 26
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel will initiate Friday morning’s speeches. He faces internal military disagreements over his Gaza war strategy, compounded by increasing international isolation and domestic political opposition.
Following him will be Premier Li Qiang of China, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain, and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The historically strong ties between India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr. Trump have recently shown signs of strain.
A representative from Nepal may also speak. The country recently experienced violent protests leading to the government’s collapse, with its first female chief justice, Sushila Karki, now serving as interim prime minister. The previous prime minister had planned to attend, but current representation is uncertain.
Saturday, Sept. 27
Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada is scheduled to speak. He has collaborated with Mexico’s President Sheinbaum on an “action plan” to address Mr. Trump’s tariffs. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey V. Lavrov is also expected to deliver remarks, with the Kremlin continuing to demand “security guarantees” before ceasing hostilities in Ukraine.
Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil will address the Assembly amid a substantial U.S. naval buildup near Venezuelan waters. Washington has intensified its rhetoric against drug cartels, conducting lethal strikes on suspected drug smuggling vessels and labeling President Nicolás Maduro a “terrorist-cartel leader.” Maduro, in turn, repeatedly accuses the U.S. of attempting to overthrow him.
Monday, Sept. 29
The week concludes with remarks from representatives of Afghanistan, four years after the Taliban’s return to power, and South Sudan. The specific representatives for these nations are currently unconfirmed.
(Image caption: The U.N. General Assembly last year. The wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan will loom over the annual gathering this year in New York.)