Sat Jun 14 02:29:51 UTC 2025: ## UN Conference on Two-State Solution Postponed Amid Middle East Tensions

**Paris, June 14, 2025 (The Hindu)** – A high-level UN conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at fostering a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, has been postponed due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the delay on Friday, citing logistical and security concerns, as well as the inability of some Palestinian representatives to attend.

The conference, originally scheduled for June 17-20 at the UN General Assembly in New York, was intended to revive the long-stalled peace process. The Palestinian Authority had hoped it would provide momentum towards recognition of a Palestinian state.

Despite the postponement, Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to recognizing a Palestinian state and its continued efforts to promote a broader movement towards recognition of Palestinian state in conjunction with the recognition of Israel and its right to self-defense. He also emphasized France’s readiness to protect its partners in the region, including Israel, following recent Israeli strikes on Iran, while clarifying that French forces would not participate in any attacks on Iran.

According to a joint statement from the French and Saudi Arabian UN ambassadors, the conference will still open on June 17th to formally agree on its suspension. The ambassadors expressed their determination to reschedule the conference at the earliest opportunity.

Macron stressed that the ultimate goal remains a demilitarized Palestinian state recognizing Israel’s existence and security, excluding any Hamas leaders. He acknowledged the interconnectedness of the Israeli-Iranian conflict, the war in Gaza, and the overall situation for Palestinians in the region.

Before announcing the postponement, Macron consulted with numerous world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, regarding the Israeli strikes on Iran and their potential consequences.

A key objective of the UN conference was to increase the number of countries recognizing Palestinian territories as an independent state. Currently, over 145 of the 193 UN member nations have done so, with the Palestinians envisioning their state encompassing Gaza and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has consistently rejected the creation of a Palestinian state, and Israel has declined to participate in the conference.

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