The United States said on Monday it will not attend a high-level United Nations conference aimed at reviving a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians, reaffirming a position it took when it voted against convening the meeting last year. A State Department spokesperson argued that participating would reward Hamas and "jeopardise" prospects for a durable settlement, adding that Washington continues to pursue other diplomatic channels. The gathering at UN headquarters in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, has drawn ministers from 125 countries, according to the organisers. UN Secretary-General António Guterres told delegates the event should be a "decisive turning point" that produces an irreversible roadmap toward a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel. Israel also declined to attend, with its UN ambassador calling the forum an "illusion" detached from the realities of the Gaza war, now in its 22nd month. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud urged participants to translate their rhetoric into concrete steps, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reiterated President Emmanuel Macron’s plan for France to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa appealed for immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood, citing Gaza health authorities’ estimate that nearly 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s campaign began after Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attack that left about 1,200 Israelis dead. Despite the absence of Washington and Jerusalem, delegates said they would press ahead with drafting parameters for final-status talks and security guarantees intended to anchor a future two-state arrangement.