Pakistan, July 29 -- At a high-level UN conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, strong calls were made to push forward a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot opened the meeting by saying that there is no alternative to a political solution ensuring peace and security for both sides. However, Israel boycotted the event, and the United States dismissed it as a "publicity stunt."

The conference came shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to officially recognize a Palestinian state in September. Luxembourg also hinted at following suit, while over 200 British MPs have shown support for the move. Still, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer believes recognition sh...