A major United Nations conference set for July 28–30 is expected to renew global momentum for the long-stalled two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—despite Israel’s decision to boycott the event.

Co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, the gathering in New York comes days after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will formally recognise the State of Palestine in September, a move analysts say could reinvigorate the push for Palestinian statehood.

“This changes the game,” said Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group. “Macron’s announcement gives the conference real diplomatic weight and may prompt other nations to follow suit.”

Currently, at least 142 of the UN’s 193 member states recognise the Palestinian state, which was unilaterally declared in exile in 1988.

The conference agenda includes four key areas: advancing recognition of Palestinian statehood, reforming the Palestinian Authority, disarming Hamas and excluding it from governance, and promoting normalisation between Israel and Arab states yet to establish ties.

However, Israeli and US officials will be absent. Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon confirmed that Israel would not participate, saying the event fails to prioritise condemning Hamas or ensuring the return of Israeli hostages.

The meeting takes place against the backdrop of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, following nearly 22 months of war triggered by a deadly Hamas attack and Israel’s subsequent military response, which has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties. The conflict, coupled with the expansion of Israeli settlements and annexation plans, has raised fears that a contiguous Palestinian state may no longer be viable.

The Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and foreign ministers from dozens of countries are expected to attend. According to a French diplomatic source, the two-state solution is “more threatened than ever—but also more necessary than ever.”

Britain has stated it will not independently recognise Palestine without a broader peace framework. Germany has also not committed to immediate recognition.

Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour described the conference as a “unique opportunity” to translate international law into a practical path toward ending the occupation. He called for courage and commitment from the international community.

While no major diplomatic breakthroughs, such as new normalisation agreements, are expected during the three-day event, speeches from over 100 countries are likely to highlight the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and the urgency of finding a political resolution.