The U.S. plans to forgo upcoming United Nations meetings aimed at advancing a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, which are set for next week. This information comes from a statement by State Department spokesman Tommy Piggott, who mentioned on Thursday that there would be “no more” summits scheduled in New York City from July 28-29, indicating a clear decision against attending.
The conference is co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France and aims to develop a framework for a Palestinian state. Notably, this meeting was previously delayed to June following an escalation in conflict between Israel and Iran, which lasted for 12 days before a ceasefire was established on June 24, mediated by the Trump administration. Just days before the ceasefire, the U.S. had carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites on June 21.
The Trump administration has expressed strong opposition to this meeting, urging allies not to participate, suggesting they could face repercussions from Washington. “We are advising against attending such gatherings, as they might hinder our vital efforts to halt the war in Gaza and to free hostages,” a spokesperson stated.
Officials added that the U.S. opposes any efforts that might unilaterally acknowledge a Palestinian state, as this could complicate the legal and political landscape regarding the conflict, especially during ongoing hostilities, effectively supporting adversaries.
This decision to skip the meetings comes amid increasing tensions between the U.S. administration and the UN. Recently, the State Department announced the U.S. had withdrawn from UNESCO, citing the organization’s deviation from its foundational objectives.
The U.S. has historically backed a two-state solution, envisioning the establishment of a nation along Gaza and the Jordan River. President Trump previously remarked that the U.S. should take control of Gaza, suggesting that Palestinians should relocate.
Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, indicated that he believes a sovereign Palestinian state is no longer a priority for U.S. foreign policy. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce subsequently clarified that Huckabee’s views are his own.
On another note, Trump’s Middle Eastern envoy, Steve Witkov, commented that the Palestinian group Hamas has displayed a lack of willingness to pursue a ceasefire with Israel. “We’re now exploring different avenues to secure the release of hostages and foster a more stable atmosphere in Gaza. It’s unfortunate that Hamas has chosen such a self-serving approach. We remain committed to resolving this conflict and achieving lasting peace in Gaza,” Witkov stated.
