UK, France Drop Plans to Recognize Palestinian State Amid US Pressure

The UK and France have retreated from earlier plans to recognize a Palestinian state at an international conference in New York scheduled for June 17–20, shifting focus instead to a roadmap toward recognition contingent on several preconditions. These conditions include a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, release of Israeli captives, reform of the Palestinian Authority, Gaza's reconstruction, and the removal of Hamas from power. French President Emmanuel Macron and Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot have emphasized that France remains committed to Palestinian statehood, framing recognition as a moral and political necessity, but underlined the importance of creating international consensus and practical steps toward a two-state solution. The change in approach follows pressure from the United States urging Paris and London to hold back on formal recognition. Human rights advocates, including Kenneth Roth, have criticized the delay, warning that the preconditions risk turning recognition into an endless peace process and urging pressure on Israel to end obstruction. Despite growing European support, the move has sparked Israeli plans to expand settlements in the West Bank as a retaliatory measure.