Expert Calls UN Summit a “Novel Process” for Mideast Peace

An international law expert has characterized the upcoming UN-backed summit on Middle East peace as a “novel process,” indicating a fresh approach to resolving the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This assessment comes as France, under President Emmanuel Macron, intensifies its lobbying efforts for the recognition of Palestinian statehood among Western nations, including Australia, ahead of the significant New York conference.
The summit, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia and scheduled for June 17 to 20, is widely anticipated to be a pivotal moment where France might formally recognize Palestine itself, thereby seeking to kickstart the dormant peace process. While a significant majority of UN member states (147 out of 193) already recognize Palestine, Australia, the UK, and the US have historically refrained. However, recent remarks from Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong suggest a potential shift in this long-held position, indicating that recognition could now be seen as a momentum-building tool.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed its engagement with international partners, including Australia, on its four key priorities for the summit: recognition of a state of Palestine, normalization of regional relations, reform of the Palestinian Authority, and disarmament of Hamas. A French spokesperson highlighted that Macron envisions this recognition as part of a broader political dynamic, fostering both Palestinian state establishment and Israel’s enhanced regional and international integration, acknowledging Australia’s strong commitment to these objectives.
Further signaling a potential policy recalibration, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently delivered his strongest rebuke yet of Israel’s aid blockade in Gaza, calling it an “outrage.” This aligns with Macron’s call for European nations to adopt a “harder collective stance” on Israel if the humanitarian crisis persists. Conversely, Australia’s opposition maintains a firm stance, arguing that Palestinian statehood should only be recognized following a comprehensive peace process that includes the release of all hostages held by Hamas, warning against “rewarding terrorism.”