Co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the event that runs June 17 – 20 will be a large conference. The mission is to promote the two-state solution as the only realistic peace agreement between Israel and Palestine. Such a move, if adopted, would mark an extraordinary inflection point in international diplomacy. Its goal is to push the discussion past just acknowledging the idea of Palestine and toward predicable, actionable steps toward peace.
The conference will also convene with these international leaders and diplomats. They’ll also talk about what’s next for Palestine in the wake of renewed violence and instability in the region. Macron has emphasized the importance of this initiative, asserting that it “must mark a transformative milestone for the effective implementation of the two-state solution. We must move from words to deeds, and we must move from the end of the war in Gaza to the end of the conflict,” according to Anne-Claire Legendre, an adviser to Macron on Middle Eastern affairs.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman went all in, accusing Israel of genocidal actions against the Palestinians. This claim highlights the obvious, longstanding grievances of the Muslim world over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. To aim for a viable two-state solution recognizing mutual sovereignty and recognition. As Foreign Secretary David Lammy gets ready to attend that conference, they’re on the hot seat like never before. Critics say that despite this step, stronger measures are needed to raise the costs to Israel for its ongoing policies.
The cooperation between France and Saudi Arabia signals a new direction in this diplomatic approach. So far, both nations have agreed to eight working parties, all focused on the groundwork for a two-state solution. They are waiting for a time when Western nations will all together recognize a Palestinian state. In turn, they argue, Arab and Muslim countries should normalize relations with Israel to achieve balance.
In the run-up to the conference, Macron fervently participated in the discussions. He met with new Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and Israeli officials including Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. While discussions remain ongoing, speculation continues to abound regarding Israel and the United States’ potential boycott of the event. They have not yet had direct conversations about how they plan to participate.
Last year, Ireland, Spain, and Norway recognized Palestine as a state, demonstrating a growing international trend towards acknowledgment of Palestinian sovereignty. Macron has maintained a clear stance: he would only recognize a Palestinian state without Hamas, which complicates the diplomatic landscape significantly.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has expressed strong opposition to the conference’s objectives, describing it as “a strategic move that prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state.” This view makes sense given the Israeli government’s fears over any and all initiatives that could threaten its long-term plans for regional hegemony.
French officials have clarified their position regarding recognition, stating, “The recognition of a Palestinian state remains on the table, but not as a product of the conference. This will remain a bilateral subject between states.” This pronouncement underscores the fact that creative conversations are bound to happen at the conference. Formal acknowledgment will depend on further negotiations between the parties at the table.
In an open letter to Macron, The Elders—a group of global leaders advocating for peace—described the initiative as “an essential transformative step towards peace.” This praise indicates that the convening has the potential to generate fresh conversations. It’s potential to be as a real catalyst in this historic conflict.
As the date of the 2024 summit approaches, excitement builds about what might emerge from the discussions happening there. While the convergence of these different arenas and constituencies brings exciting potential, it brings complications and contradictions. The international community will continue to monitor closely as Macron and bin Salman tread through this intricate diplomatic minefield.