A high-level United Nations conference aimed at advancing a roadmap toward a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine has been postponed following Israel’s military strikes on Iran, according to diplomatic sources.
The conference, which was being co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, was set to bring together key international stakeholders in New York to discuss pathways to establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel. However, two sources confirmed that the meeting has been delayed in light of escalating regional tensions.
A Western diplomatic source based in Saudi Arabia said the postponement was “partially due to Israel’s recent attacks on Iran.” A second source familiar with the matter added that several Middle Eastern delegations had indicated they would be unable or unwilling to attend under current circumstances.
The delay comes just days after the United States reportedly sent diplomatic messages—known as dĂ©marches—to participating countries, urging them to reconsider attendance. Ireland confirmed receipt of such a message, which suggested that support for the conference could be interpreted as taking an “anti-Israel” position and warned of potential diplomatic consequences.
Despite the warning, Irish Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris said Ireland would attend the conference when rescheduled. “Just to be very clear, Ireland absolutely will be attending and participating fully in the two-state conference,” Harris told RTÉ’s News at One. “The United States has every right to convey its views in relation to foreign policy. But we also have every right to have our foreign policy.”
Harris did not mince words regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling the situation “genocide” and stressing the urgency of international leadership. “There are children being left to starve… Now is not the time for diplomatic cables, but for leadership,” he added.
The postponed conference was to focus on reviving discussions around a two-state solution, with proposals to establish a Palestinian state across Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin had been scheduled to travel to New York for the event.
The U.S. démarche criticised the conference as potentially undermining American efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza with the help of Egypt and Qatar. It warned against measures such as sanctions and boycotts on Israel, stating such actions would be viewed as opposing U.S. interests.
The delay highlights deep divisions within the international community over how to address the Israel-Palestine conflict amid rising regional volatility and global diplomatic friction.
