World leaders met at the United Nations on Monday to push for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, as the former’s ongoing unapologetic destruction of Gaza and illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank leads to more countries formally recognizing a Palestinian state.
Held on the opening day of the UN General Assembly’s high-level week of discussions in New York, the aim of the summit convened by France and Saudi Arabia is to set a clear path for an independent Palestinian state that would include Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem.
“The time for peace has come, because we’re just a few moments away from no longer being able to seize peace. This is why we have gathered here today,” French President Emmanuel Macron said at the beginning of the meeting. “Some might say it’s too late, others might say it’s too early. But one thing is certain: We can no longer wait.”
More than 150 of the UN’s 193 members already recognize a Palestinian state, though Western nations like the United States have hesitated in the past to join them, believing statehood could only be reached through negotiations with Israel. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear his opposition to Palestinian statehood, threatening to respond by potentially annexing the West Bank.
