Trump Rejects Macron’s Push as US Boycotts UN Summit on Palestinian Statehood

In a bold stand, the Trump administration has decided to boycott a high-profile UN summit on Palestinian statehood, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, set for this week in New York City. Originally slated for June, the event was delayed due to the recent Israel-Iran conflict, but now, over 50 nations are gearing up to speak at this critical conference aimed at a peaceful resolution for Palestine, with many more countries joining as participants.

The U.S. has made its position crystal clear, labeling the summit as counterproductive and a potential hindrance to ending the ongoing war in Gaza. Critics, including Anne Bayefsky of Human Rights Voices, have slammed the event as a direct affront to President Trump, accusing it of promoting a rejectionist agenda that bypasses negotiations and ignores Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state. Bayefsky didn’t mince words, highlighting the danger of an armed Palestinian state post-October 7, calling it a recipe for more conflict rather than peace.

Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized the urgency of a Palestinian state, arguing that the destruction in Gaza and expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank threaten its very possibility. He insists a political horizon is essential for lasting ceasefires and hostage releases. This comes as President Emmanuel Macron plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September—a move Trump dismissed outright as inconsequential.

The decision has sparked sharp reactions. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee took to social media with biting sarcasm, suggesting France might as well turn the French Riviera into a Palestinian state. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the move, especially in light of the October 7 massacre. On the other side, Turkey’s President Erdoğan congratulated Macron, while key European allies like Italy and Germany remain hesitant, prioritizing Israel’s security and questioning the timing of such recognition.

As this diplomatic storm brews, the conference, running through Tuesday, underscores a deep divide. Is this a genuine push for peace or a geopolitical misstep? One thing is certain: the road to resolution remains as rocky as ever.