France and Saudi Arabia will host dozens of world leaders in New York on Monday to push for renewed international backing of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with several countries expected to formally recognise a Palestinian state.

The high-profile summit, taking place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, comes amid heightened tensions following Israel’s ground assault on Gaza City and ongoing war against Hamas. While recognition efforts are largely symbolic, they are seen as a morale boost for Palestinians after decades of stalled peace talks.

Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal recognised Palestine on Sunday, while France and at least five other countries are set to follow suit during the summit. However, some European states remain divided. Italy has warned the move could prove “counterproductive,” while Germany argued it might undermine a negotiated path to statehood.

Israel and the United States will boycott the summit. Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon dismissed the gathering as a “circus,” reiterating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government’s rejection of a Palestinian state. Israeli officials have also hinted at annexing parts of the occupied West Bank or imposing bilateral measures against Paris in retaliation.

Such annexation, however, risks alienating allies like the United Arab Emirates, which normalised relations with Israel under the 2020 Abraham Accords. The UAE cautioned that annexation would “undermine the spirit” of the historic agreement.

Norway, which recognised Palestine alongside Spain and Ireland in 2024, voiced cautious optimism. “Palestine is at a turning point, and we are at a crossroads. While international political support for a two-state solution has rarely been stronger, the situation on the ground is worse than ever,” said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has warned of consequences for countries endorsing recognition, including France. Still, French President Emmanuel Macron has pressed ahead with hosting the summit, framing it as part of Europe’s duty to revive a moribund peace process.