France Pushes Four Priorities at Mideast Summit, Seeks Australia’s Backing

France is actively pushing for four key priorities at an upcoming UN-backed Middle East peace summit, and it is seeking Australia’s backing, particularly on the recognition of Palestinian statehood. Co-hosting the New York conference with Saudi Arabia, France, under President Emmanuel Macron, views Palestinian recognition as a vital step to kickstart the two-state solution, deeming it both a “moral obligation” and a “political necessity.”
The summit, slated for June 17-20, has ignited speculation that France itself may formally recognize Palestine during the event, a move intended to generate momentum for peace. Currently, 147 of the 193 UN member states recognize Palestine, a group that does not include Australia, the UK, or the US. However, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s recent statements suggest a shift in Australia’s long-held position, indicating that recognition could now be seen as a means to build momentum, rather than solely as the culmination of negotiations.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed its collaboration with international partners, including Australia, on its agenda for the summit: recognition of a Palestinian state, normalization of regional relations, reform of the Palestinian Authority, and disarmament of Hamas. A spokesperson clarified that President Macron hopes this recognition would integrate into a broader political dynamic, facilitating both the establishment of a Palestinian state and Israel’s enhanced regional and international integration.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has recently escalated his criticism of Israel, describing the blockade of aid into Gaza as an “outrage,” a sentiment that resonates with Macron’s call for a firmer international stance on the humanitarian crisis. Despite this, Australia’s opposition remains firm in its belief that recognition of Palestinian statehood should only come after a peace process that includes the release of all Hamas-held hostages and the dismantling of their terrorist capabilities, cautioning against “rewarding terrorism.”