The United States has strongly criticized an upcoming United Nations conference aimed at discussing the path to a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. In a confidential diplomatic cable obtained by Reuters, the U.S. warned other nations of potential diplomatic consequences if they support any actions perceived as being “anti-Israel” following the event.
Set to take place in New York from June 17–20, the high-level meeting is being co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia—two long-standing U.S. allies. The event is expected to explore new frameworks for the creation of a Palestinian state, while also addressing Israel’s security concerns. However, Washington believes the timing and implications of the gathering could derail ongoing efforts to end the Gaza conflict.
“We urge all governments not to participate in this conference, which we view as counterproductive to urgent efforts to end the war in Gaza and free hostages,” the U.S. cable reads.
France has not hidden its intentions, with President Emmanuel Macron signaling that his country may recognize Palestinian statehood during the summit. Such a move would make France the first major Western power to take this step—potentially encouraging similar action from other countries.
The U.S. sees this as a dangerous precedent. “Recognizing a Palestinian state unilaterally would reward Hamas and undermine prospects for peace,” the cable continues. It also warned that such recognition could introduce legal and political complications, especially while Israel is still at war.
Tensions between the U.S. and some of its closest allies are intensifying. Macron’s administration has been trying to avoid a diplomatic showdown with Washington, but pressure is mounting domestically and across Europe to act decisively amid the devastation in Gaza.
Since Hamas militants launched a surprise cross-border attack on Israel on October 7, 2023—killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages—Israel has responded with a brutal offensive. The war has claimed nearly 55,000 Palestinian lives, displaced millions, and left large parts of Gaza in ruins.
In the cable, the U.S. criticized the conference’s potential to embolden Hamas, disrupt sensitive ceasefire negotiations, and open the door to international sanctions against Israel. The Biden administration says it has been working intensively with Egypt and Qatar to reach a truce and bring hostages home.
Meanwhile, other key Western allies like the UK and Canada have begun applying pressure on Israel. Both recently imposed sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers as part of wider efforts to push for an end to the Gaza war.
A European diplomat told Reuters, “This is bullying, plain and simple. But I don’t think many countries will pull out of the conference at this stage.”
As the Middle East peace process faces one of its most uncertain chapters yet, this diplomatic rift could reshape alliances and push the region into uncharted territory.
