French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France and Saudi Arabia will jointly lead a high-level conference on the Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in New York on September 22, aimed at mobilising broad international backing for peace in the region.
In a statement shared on X, Macron criticised the US decision to deny visas to Palestinian officials, calling it “unacceptable” and urging Washington to reverse the move to ensure Palestinian representation in line with the Host Country Agreement.
“Together with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, we will co-chair the Conference on the Two-State Solution in New York on September 22. The American decision not to grant visas to Palestinian officials is unacceptable. We call for this measure to be reversed and for Palestinian representation to be ensured. Our objective is clear: to rally the broadest possible international support for the Two-State Solution—the only way to meet the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians,” Macron said.
The French President outlined key priorities for the conference: establishing a permanent ceasefire, ensuring the release of hostages, scaling up humanitarian aid to Gaza, and deploying a stabilisation mission in the enclave. He also emphasised longer-term measures such as disarming Hamas, excluding it from Gaza’s governance, strengthening the Palestinian Authority, and reconstructing Gaza.
“No offensive, annexation attempt, or forced displacement of populations will derail the momentum we have created with the Crown Prince—momentum that many partners have already joined,” Macron added.
The announcement comes amid heightened concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza following Israel’s expanded military operations.
France is among the first Western nations to declare its intent to formally recognise the State of Palestine, a step Macron said would be finalised at the upcoming UN General Assembly session. Following this, leaders from Australia, Canada, Portugal, and the United Kingdom are also expected to extend recognition, with Belgium recently joining the call while demanding “firm sanctions” against Israel.