A recent high-level UN conference on Palestine in New York has been criticized for its lack of tangible results despite positive political rhetoric. According to Salah Abdel Shafi, the Palestinian Ambassador to Austria, the conference was a “step in the right direction” but failed to produce concrete actions towards a ceasefire in Gaza or to address the humanitarian crisis. Shafi emphasized that while calls for Palestinian statehood are appreciated, the immediate priority is to stop the violence and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The conference was co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, but the United States and Israel declined to participate. Shafi described the U.S. stance on the Middle East crisis as “extremely disappointing and unacceptable.” Following the event, foreign ministers from 15 Western countries issued a joint statement calling for the recognition of Palestinian statehood, but the diplomat stressed that what is truly needed are “practical steps” to compel Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
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UN conference on Palestine: mixed results
Palestinian envoy says UN conference on Gaza was disappointing
