France Presses Ahead with UN Gaza Talks, Backs Two-State Solution

By Muhd. Fawwaz Thaqif Nor Afandi and Nur Atiq Maisarah Suhaimi

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) -- France is pressing ahead with plans to host a United Nations (UN) conference on Gaza next week, reaffirming its support for a two-state solution, despite facing opposition from certain quarters.

French Ambassador to Malaysia Axel Cruau said Paris remains resolute in advancing the agenda for peace through the conference.

“We are well aware of the opposition from some countries but it is very important to keep this perspective of a two-state solution alive,” he told reporters after opening the France-Malaysia Innovation Day 2025 here Thursday.

“So trust France to keep doing it, regardless of the opposition, in partnership with all friendly countries,” he added.

Cruau was responding to media reports that the United States (US) President Donald Trump’s administration had warned governments worldwide against attending the conference, threatening diplomatic consequences for countries Washington perceives as taking "anti-Israel actions" and acting contrary to US foreign policy.

The conference, scheduled to be held in New York from June 17 to 20, is co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. It aims to advance global efforts towards achieving a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

According to the concept note from the co-chairs, the conference will include a plenary session, interventions, and eight thematic roundtables, each focusing on critical dimensions of the solution.

While acknowledging the outcome of the conference remains uncertain, Cruau said what matters is collective commitment and participation.

“It is important that we are all there together to push for the solution and to keep it alive,” he said, stressing the importance of Malaysia being part of the crucial conference.

“Fostering peace and security sometimes requires countries to make collective bold decisions,” he added.

More than 55,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since Oct 7 last year, with the ongoing Israeli military operations and ensuing blockade pushing the enclave into a severe humanitarian crisis.

-- BERNAMA