Ministers Gather at UN for Delayed Israel-Palestinian Two-State Talks Amid US, Israel Boycott

A delayed United Nations conference aimed at advancing a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians is set to take place, hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, but both the United States and Israel are boycotting the event. The conference, decided by the UN General Assembly in 2024 and postponed due to heightened regional tensions, seeks to establish a roadmap for a Palestinian state while ensuring Israel's security. French officials plan to use the conference to encourage more countries to recognize a Palestinian state, with France intending to do so at the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting. The U.S. opposes the conference, viewing it as a concession to Hamas, which continues to reject ceasefire proposals, and has voted against the General Assembly resolution calling for the event. The backdrop to the conference is the ongoing 22-month war between Israel and Hamas, which began after a deadly Hamas attack in October 2023, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Meanwhile, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and security at a recent ministerial meeting in Tanzania, emphasizing inclusive mediation efforts such as the establishment of a Network of Women Mediators to address conflict resolution more effectively.