France has called on the United States to allow Palestinians full participation in the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) summit, stressing that denying them access would undermine the principles of international diplomacy. The French government’s statement comes amid rising tensions over the Palestinian issue and the broader Middle East peace process, as the US continues to oppose Palestine’s full engagement in the UN forum.
The UNGA, set to take place in New York next month, is expected to host world leaders and diplomats from across the globe. Palestine, which has been recognized as a non-member observer state by the United Nations, has regularly attended previous sessions, although it does not have full membership status. The US has historically been a strong ally of Israel, and Washington’s stance on Palestinian representation at the UN has remained a contentious issue. According to recent reports, the US is once again pushing to limit Palestinian participation in this year’s gathering, citing concerns about the impact on peace talks.
In a statement issued earlier this week, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian emphasized that the UN should be a platform for all nations, including Palestine, to voice their concerns and engage in dialogue on critical global issues. He underscored the importance of inclusion, especially in discussions regarding international peace and security, and reminded the US that the UN is fundamentally designed to provide equal representation for all member and observer states, regardless of their political status or the disputes they are involved in.
The French call comes as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a central issue at the United Nations. France has long advocated for a two-state solution, encouraging both Israel and Palestine to resume direct negotiations and address key issues such as borders, the status of Jerusalem, and the rights of refugees. While France has expressed strong support for Palestinian statehood, it has also maintained diplomatic ties with Israel, striking a balance between advocating for Palestinian rights and upholding Israel’s security.
The Biden administration’s position on Palestine’s participation in the UNGA has sparked a diplomatic rift, with some countries in the Middle East and Europe criticizing the US for what they perceive as an attempt to silence Palestinian voices. Observers argue that the Palestinian issue continues to be one of the most pressing challenges in global diplomacy, and restricting their ability to speak at the UN would only serve to exacerbate tensions in the region.
As the UNGA approaches, the international community will be watching closely to see whether the US will reconsider its stance, or whether Palestine will once again be sidelined in what is viewed as a crucial opportunity for global dialogue. For now, the question of Palestinian representation remains unresolved, adding to the complex and ongoing challenges surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the world stage.
