BRUSSELS, July 15 — A rescheduled United Nations conference this month will discuss post-war plans for Gaza and preparations for the recognition of a Palestinian state by France and others, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said today.
France and Saudi Arabia had planned to host the conference in New York from June 17 to 20, aiming to lay out the parameters of a roadmap to a Palestine state, while ensuring Israel’s security.
“The aim is to sketch out post-war Gaza and prepare the recognition of a Palestinian state by France and countries that will engage in this approach,” Barrot said in Brussels before a meeting of European Union foreign ministers.
The conference was postponed under United States pressure and after the 12-day Israel-Iran air war began, during which regional airspace was closed, making it hard for representatives of some Arab states to attend. Diplomats said on July 11 that it had been rescheduled for July 28 to 29.
French President Emmanuel Macron had been set to attend the conference and had suggested he could recognise a Palestine state in Israeli-occupied territories at the conference, a move opposed by Israel.
Macron is no longer expected to attend, reducing the likelihood of any major announcements being made.
Diplomats say Macron has faced resistance from allies such as Britain and Canada over his push for the recognition of a Palestine state.
— Reuters
