On Monday, the State Department announced it would not take part in a UN initiative led by France and Saudi Arabia aimed at promoting a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The department criticized the summit, arguing it could hinder efforts to resolve tensions between Israel and Hamas.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the conference as an inappropriate stunt that “undermines our serious diplomatic efforts to further encourage Hamas and end the war.”
Bruce stated, “The US will not participate in the UN two-state solution conference in July. We will continue to work with our partners to resolve this issue.”
President Trump has, in many ways, diverted from traditional US support for a two-state solution, which aims to establish a Palestinian state within Israel and Gaza. This contradicts the long-standing policy that has sought to support Palestinian nationhood.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has historically promoted a policy aimed at hindering the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza. During a meeting at the White House in July, Trump questioned Netanyahu about if Israeli leaders back a two-state solution. Netanyahu replied that while Palestinians could have some autonomy, Israel must retain control over security matters.
Trump generally aligns with Netanyahu and pro-Israeli stances, yet he often emphasizes his own interests in international relations. He appears keen to gain recognition by fostering Israeli-Saudi relations, though it’s clear that Riyadh won’t normalize relations with Israel without a Palestinian state in place.
Recently, Trump sent Israeli ambassador Mike Huckabee to discuss matters with Palestinian Authority Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh. Negotiations aimed at ending the war between Israel and Hamas are exploring alternative governance for Gaza. While the Palestinian Authority operates in the region, it isn’t viewed as the strongest entity to exercise control.
Ceasefire negotiations remain stalled amid escalating conflict. The latest surge began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and 251 hostages taken. The death toll in Gaza has reached around 60,000, with the Gaza Ministry of Health not differentiating between combatants and civilians.
The Trump administration has identified Hamas’s actions as a major hindrance to peace, yet international outcry concerning Israel’s military actions and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza complicates the dynamics in Jerusalem.
In a notable development, French President Emmanuel Macron recently stated that Paris recognizes the Palestinian state. Though largely symbolic, this move suggests that other developed nations may also shift their stance regarding Palestinian statehood.
Trump expressed concern over what he termed “real starvation” occurring in Gaza, indicating a possible change in tone regarding humanitarian issues.
Over the weekend, Israel announced plans to open additional humanitarian corridors to facilitate aid delivery in Gaza, pausing military operations to allow for aid drops.
