UK and France abandon plans to recognise Palestinian state at conference
France had been lobbying the UK and other European allies to recognise a Palestinian state at the conference in New York, due to be held between 17 and 20 June.
President Emmanuel Macron had described the move as 'a moral duty and political requirement', suggesting it could come in return for Saudi Arabia recognising Israel at the conference.
However, The Guardian has reported that French officials briefed their Israeli counterparts this week that the conference would not be the moment for recognition.
Instead, it will now focus on outlining steps towards recognition, contingent on a series of measures and concessions from the Palestinians.
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These will include a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli captives, reform of the Palestinian Authority, economic reconstruction and the end of Hamas rule in Gaza.
Although 147 countries recognise the state of Palestine, much of Europe has been reluctant and long stated that such a move could only come with Israel's approval and reciprocal moves from Arab states.
Ireland, Spain and Norway recognised a Palestinian state last year, and there has been an increasing consensus that recognition should come unilaterally as a means of pressuring Israel to change tack.
Last week, Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas told Middle East Eye that France's push to recognise Palestine was "serious and has the backing of most of the European Union and Saudi Arabia'.
However, both the UK and France have faced pressure from the US over the plans, while Israel has said it would expand its settlements in the occupied West Bank in response.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said plans to build a further 22 settlements in the occupied territory were "a strategic move that prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state".
In July last year, the Israeli parliament voted overwhelmingly to oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state, with only Palestinian lawmakers and a single left-wing Jewish MP voting in support.
Pinkas told MEE that while there was no meaningful domestic support in Israel or the parliament for Palestinian statehood, the international community's pitch to Israel over ending the war should be that 'we are your friends, we want you to succeed, this cannot go on... Netanyahu is driving you to unmitigated and irreparable disaster. Wake up, we are here to help".
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