US, Israel Boycott UN Gaza Conference Citing Ceasefire Concerns

The United States and Israel have jointly decided to boycott a United Nations conference aimed at advancing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, criticizing it as a counterproductive and ill-timed event that undermines ongoing diplomatic efforts. U.S. officials, including State Department spokespersons Tammy Bruce and Tommy Pigott, described the conference as a 'publicity stunt' that emboldens Hamas and obstructs ceasefire negotiations, with President Donald Trump accusing Hamas of deliberately hindering peace efforts and hostage releases. Israel's absence was also justified by the lack of urgent condemnation of Hamas and the hostage situation. Meanwhile, Palestinian and Jordanian representatives highlighted Israel's refusal to participate, which they see as an obstacle to negotiations. The conference, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, is viewed by its supporters as a platform to promote Palestinian statehood, with French President Emmanuel Macron planning to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly, a move opposed by both the U.S. and Israel. The differing stances underscore deep divisions over the path to peace and demonstrate the complexity of balancing diplomatic initiatives with security concerns and real-time conflict dynamics.