France Retreats from Palestinian State Recognition Amid US Pressure Before UN Conference

France is deliberating whether to formally recognize a Palestinian state, a move that would mark a significant Western endorsement of Palestinian sovereignty and potentially influence Middle East peace efforts. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has expressed readiness to support a demilitarized Palestinian state and to undertake reforms including elections, while calling for international stabilization forces with UN backing. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's attendance at an upcoming UN conference co-sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia is seen as contingent on France's decision to recognize Palestine, signaling regional support for such recognition. However, France has faced strong diplomatic pressure from the Trump administration to avoid unilateral recognition, fearing it could undermine hostage negotiations and provoke Israeli retaliation against the Palestinian Authority. Internally, the French government has considered recognition as a strategy to address tensions within its Muslim population, who feel alienated by perceived pro-Israel policies, though official rhetoric emphasizes a broader peace process rather than symbolic recognition alone. Meanwhile, Egypt and other regional actors continue to advocate for a two-state solution and emphasize the need for humanitarian aid and conflict de-escalation in Gaza and the West Bank.