Overview

• A US diplomatic cable sent to allies on June 10 urges them to boycott the France–Saudi Arabia–hosted UN conference from June 17 to 20 and warns of repercussions for participants
• The cable argues that unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state would create legal and political obstacles, coerce Israel during wartime and bolster Hamas
• France and Saudi Arabia aim to use the New York meeting to advance parameters for a two-state solution and measure international support for Palestinian statehood
• President Trump’s administration has abandoned previous backing for a West Bank Palestinian state and is working with Egypt and Qatar on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release
• France’s consideration of formally recognising a Palestinian state has drawn sharp criticism from Israel’s government and intensified strains with Washington