Israeli-Palestinian Civil Society Convenes in France Amid Dwindling Two-State Solution Hope

French Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that given the current situation in the region marked by endless conflicts, civilian casualties, and a cycle of violence, this conference is more essential and urgent than ever.

The meeting, attended by foreign ministers and senior officials from dozens of countries, marks one year since the UN-backed New York Declaration set out a roadmap toward Palestinian statehood. Around a dozen countries, including France, Britain, and Canada, recognized a Palestinian state following the declaration.

France’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson told reporters on Thursday that given the current situation in the region, marked by endless conflicts, too many civilian casualties, and stalled implementation of the Gaza ceasefire, this conference is now more essential and urgent than ever.

The gathering will end with an eight-point “Call for Action,” urging a permanent ceasefire, halt to settlements, Gaza reconstruction, governance reforms, and stronger international backing for civil society. It will be delivered to G7 leaders who meet in the French Alps from Monday.

Reuters saw by the action plan stated that the region continues to fracture, Gaza is devastated, Israel remains under threat, settler terrorism, settlement expansion, and de facto annexation and threats to the Palestinian Authority continue to undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state. Israelis and Palestinians alike remain trapped in fear, insecurity, and trauma. The conference comes amid escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and underscores anger in many Western countries toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which has expanded settlements.

Diplomats say that expansion is aimed at undermining prospects for a Palestinian state. A key concern is Israel’s plan to build a settlement east of Jerusalem, known as the E1 project, which would bisect the West Bank and cut it off from East Jerusalem, fragmenting territory Palestinians seek for an independent state.

Britain, Canada, France, and Norway announced new coordinated sanctions on Tuesday against Israeli networks involved in financing, enabling, and carrying out violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israel and the United States declined to attend the meeting. The Israeli embassy said that the ambassador was invited but will not attend as it has nothing to do with promoting peace. France recalled that Palestinians have rejected proposals to establish a Palestinian state on five occasions.