France Saudi Arabia Lead UN Push for Palestinian State Amid Israeli Opposition

France and Saudi Arabia are leading a renewed international effort at the United Nations General Assembly to promote a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, alongside several Western countries recognizing Palestinian statehood. This initiative seeks to establish Palestinian sovereignty in territories occupied by Israel since 1967 but faces strong opposition from the United States and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has threatened unilateral actions like West Bank annexation. The two-state framework has long been regarded as the only viable peace path, aiming to preserve Israel's democratic character while granting Palestinians self-determination, though repeated peace talks have failed amid violence and settlement expansions. Meanwhile, Israel's ongoing war in Gaza has caused massive devastation, displacing most of the population. Critics warn that Israeli settlement plans, such as the E1 project, jeopardize Palestinian statehood aspirations and could effectively end hopes for an independent Palestine. Additionally, the conflict's psychological dimension impacts international perceptions, with Palestinian victimhood narratives influencing Western attitudes, while in the Middle East, Israel's military strength commands respect.