France’s foreign minister is set to co-host a U.N. conference next week focused on advancing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his commitment to recognizing the state of Palestine alongside Israel’s right to defend itself. This announcement follows U.S. negotiations in Qatar for a Gaza ceasefire, which were halted due to perceived bad faith from Hamas.
There is increasing international criticism of Israel, particularly from France and several European nations, regarding its restrictions on aid to Gaza and its actions resulting in the deaths of numerous Palestinians attempting to access food. The Palestinians are aspiring for an independent state encompassing the occupied West Bank, east Jerusalem, and Gaza, regions that fell under Israeli control during the 1967 war.
Israel’s government historically resists Palestinian statehood, citing concerns that it could empower militant groups in light of the recent Hamas attacks. Since the 1967 conflict, Israel has annexed east Jerusalem, declaring it part of its capital, and has established numerous settlements in the West Bank, housing over 500,000 Jewish settlers. In contrast, roughly three million Palestinians in the West Bank live under Israeli military authority, with some self-governance through the Palestinian Authority in select areas.
The upcoming conference signifies a renewed effort to support a two-state framework, even amid rising tensions and challenges regarding aid and humanitarian conditions in Palestinian territories. The situation remains complex, as both sides navigate a deeply entrenched conflict with significant historical, political, and social dimensions.
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