The United Nations High-Level Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine has been suspended due to the ongoing escalation in Gaza, according to a joint statement issued Tuesday by conference co-chairs France and Saudi Arabia, along with 17 other international partners.
“These events are a stark reminder of the fragility of the current situation,” the statement read, citing deep concern over the intensifying violence and the deterioration of regional stability. “Now more than ever, the situation compels us to double our efforts.”
Originally conceived as a platform to chart a coordinated path toward implementing the long-stalled two-state solution, the conference has been forced into partial pause. However, co-chairs emphasized that work will continue.
“The Roundtables, to be convened shortly, will proceed,” the group confirmed, adding that the high-level segment of the talks would be announced “at the soonest possible opportunity.”
The statement was jointly signed by France and Saudi Arabia, as well as co-chairs of the working groups: Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Norway, Qatar, Senegal, Spain, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the League of Arab States.
Despite the disruption, the international coalition reiterated its shared objective: to revive diplomacy and push forward with a two-state solution that ensures “peace, liberty, and dignity for all peoples of the region.”
“We remain resolute in our shared determination,” the co-chairs wrote, calling for an end to the war in Gaza and a renewed respect for international law and state sovereignty.
The suspension comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, following a week of cross-border strikes between Israel and Iran, deepening hostilities in Gaza, and growing international frustration over civilian casualties and stalled humanitarian access.
Analysts say the statement reflects both the urgency and limitations of multilateral diplomacy.
“This is a sobering moment for the international system,” said one Middle East envoy, speaking on background. “The fact that such a broad coalition had to suspend its highest-level talks shows how dangerous the situation has become.”
Despite the bleak tone, the conference’s working groups are expected to continue informal consultations, aimed at laying the groundwork for the eventual resumption of full negotiations.
