Mon Sep 22 07:03:30 UTC 2025: ## International Summit Aims to Revive Two-State Solution Despite Israeli Boycott
**New York, NY** – World leaders are converging at the United Nations headquarters in New York for a summit on Monday aimed at revitalizing the long-stalled two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. Co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, the meeting takes place on the eve of the UN General Assembly and focuses heavily on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the future of a Palestinian state.
The summit builds upon the “New York Declaration” adopted earlier this month, which outlined steps towards a two-state solution, condemned Hamas, and called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid access to Gaza. While the declaration enjoyed broad international support, Israel and the United States boycotted the initial conference and are also sitting out Monday’s summit.
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, dismissed the event as a “circus,” echoing the Israeli government’s stance that such initiatives “reward terrorism.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting domestic pressure as a growing number of nations recognize Palestinian statehood, with the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal all announcing recognition in recent days.
France is expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state during the summit, with other countries like Belgium considering similar moves. In response, Israel is reportedly considering the partial or full annexation of the occupied West Bank, a move widely seen as undermining the prospect of a future Palestinian state. Netanyahu is expected to seek support from the US during his visit to New York.
Despite the Israeli boycott, the UN has expressed hope that the summit will inject new momentum into efforts to establish a roadmap towards a two-state solution. French President Emmanuel Macron will play a leading role, while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to participate via video link.
Tensions are high as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, with recent air raids reportedly killing dozens of civilians. Qatar, a mediator between Israel and Hamas, welcomed the recent recognitions of Palestinian statehood by several nations.
The international community’s push for a two-state solution comes amidst growing concerns that the prospect of a contiguous Palestinian state is rapidly diminishing due to Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Israel’s potential annexation of the West Bank and threats against countries like France underscore the challenges ahead in achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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