UK to Join Two-State Peace Conference in New York

The United Kingdom has confirmed its participation in the upcoming two-state solution conference scheduled to take place in New York next week, as international efforts intensify to revive the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated on Friday that a permanent ceasefire remains the most effective path to ending the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

He also acknowledged that the UK holds significant reservations regarding Israel’s handling of the distribution of humanitarian assistance in the enclave, noting key points of disagreement with Israeli policy.

Lammy emphasized Britain’s support for renewed political dialogue within the framework of the two-state solution, which will be the focus of the New York summit.

The conference aims to restore momentum to peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine, involving a coalition of international partners.

The diplomatic push comes amid increased calls for the recognition of Palestinian statehood. French President Emmanuel Macron recently announced that France would formally recognize the State of Palestine as part of a longstanding commitment to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. His remarks, posted on X, underscored the urgency of a collective European approach.

However, the United States remains firmly opposed to Macron’s plan. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington’s rejection of unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood during a press briefing on Friday, emphasizing the importance of negotiations over symbolic declarations.

Macron had previously stated that recognizing Palestine is the only viable route to a durable peace and called for joint recognition by both Paris and London. 

In April, he hinted that France might take that step within months, a sentiment echoed by British officials who indicated that the UK is open to recognition and will not wait for external approval.

Currently, the State of Palestine is recognized by around 150 of the 193 United Nations member states. Among these are permanent members of the UN Security Council, including Russia and China.