Civil society groups push for two-state solution at France conference

Israeli and Palestinian civil society representatives gathered in France on Friday to urge world leaders not to abandon efforts toward a two-state solution.

Israeli and Palestinian civil society representatives gathered in France on Friday to urge world leaders not to abandon efforts toward a two-state solution, despite growing pessimism about the chances of achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. The meeting comes at a time when the war in Gaza continues to fuel instability across the region and diplomatic efforts remain largely stalled.

The conference, attended by foreign ministers and senior officials from dozens of countries, marks one year since the adoption of the New York Declaration, a United Nations-backed initiative that outlined steps toward the creation of a Palestinian state. The declaration encouraged several countries, including France, Britain, and Canada, to formally recognize Palestinian statehood and renew support for a negotiated settlement to the decades-old conflict.

French officials described the gathering as particularly important given the current conditions in the region. Ongoing violence, mounting civilian casualties, and the lack of progress in implementing a ceasefire in Gaza have increased concerns that hopes for a political solution are fading. France believes international attention must remain focused on finding a path toward peace rather than allowing the conflict to become a permanent crisis.

Participants at the conference are expected to issue an eight-point action plan calling for a permanent ceasefire, reconstruction efforts in Gaza, reforms in Palestinian governance, a halt to Israeli settlement expansion, and stronger support for organizations working to promote dialogue and cooperation between the two sides. The document will be presented to leaders of the G7 nations during their upcoming summit in the French Alps.

According to the draft proposal, conditions on the ground continue to deteriorate. Gaza has suffered widespread destruction from months of fighting, while security concerns remain high in Israel. The document also highlights rising settler violence, continued expansion of Israeli settlements, and growing pressure on the Palestinian Authority. Organizers argue that these developments are making the prospect of a future Palestinian state increasingly difficult to achieve.

The conference takes place amid rising frustration among several Western governments toward the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration. Many diplomats believe the continued growth of settlements in the occupied West Bank weakens the possibility of a negotiated two-state agreement. Particular concern surrounds plans for the E1 settlement project east of Jerusalem. Critics argue that the development would divide large parts of the West Bank and further separate Palestinian communities from East Jerusalem, which Palestinians view as the capital of a future state.

Earlier this week, Britain, Canada, France, and Norway announced coordinated sanctions targeting individuals and networks accused of supporting violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. The move reflected increasing international concern over developments in the territory and growing pressure on Israel to address the issue.

Neither Israel nor the United States participated in the conference. Israeli officials rejected the event, arguing that it would not contribute to peace efforts. The Israeli embassy in France stated that the meeting was not a constructive platform for resolving the conflict and questioned France’s ability to act as a mediator between the two sides. Israeli representatives also pointed to previous instances in which Palestinian leaders declined proposals for statehood.

Despite the political divisions, organizers of the conference insist that opportunities for a negotiated settlement still exist. However, they warn that the window for achieving a two-state solution is narrowing rapidly. As violence continues and trust between the two sides erodes, many participants believe immediate international engagement is necessary if any hope for a lasting peace is to survive.