UN Plans Conference on Palestinian Statehood Amid Gaza War

France has pledged to formally recognize the State of Palestine in September, a move that has breathed new energy into international efforts to revive the two-state solution amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The upcoming UN conference co-chaired by Riyadh and Paris aims to foster peaceful coexistence between Israeli and Palestinian states, though Israel is expected to be absent. The UK, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, supports eventual recognition of Palestinian statehood, describing it as an "inalienable right," but stresses that the immediate priority must be ending the suffering in Gaza through a ceasefire. British officials, including Science and Technology Minister Peter Kyle and Foreign Minister David Lammy, have emphasized alleviating the humanitarian crisis, highlighting widespread starvation and severe malnutrition in Gaza. While the U.S. and Israel have condemned France's recognition plan, the UK’s potential recognition is seen as unlikely to provoke strong opposition from President Donald Trump, given his focus on political optics rather than strategic objections. The deteriorating conditions in Gaza and growing international pressure are shifting political stances, signaling a possible shift towards formal recognition of Palestine by key Western countries.