Paris meeting to explore new political path amid Middle East deadlock

Paris will host a high-level meeting on June 12, 2026, dedicated to the "Paris Call for a Two-State Solution and Regional Peace and Security." This initiative, launched in June 2025 under the auspices of the Paris Forum for Peace and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, aims to foster a parallel dialogue to official negotiations.

The meeting convenes Palestinian and Israeli civil society actors, institutional representatives, and international partners. It takes place against a backdrop of persistent political deadlock in the Middle East and ongoing tensions on the ground. The initiative's core idea is that reviving peace dynamics requires the involvement of non-governmental actors capable of creating a climate conducive to a political solution. Key objectives include supporting the two-state solution, promoting a durable ceasefire in Gaza, and fostering conditions for regional de-escalation and stabilization.

This gathering in Paris occurs within a tense diplomatic context, marked by stalled political negotiations and continued violence in the Palestinian territories. Participants will assess the first year of the initiative's implementation and consider potential avenues for its evolution. Proponents argue this approach complements traditional diplomatic channels by amplifying civil dynamics. However, it also faces debate and criticism regarding the legitimacy and effectiveness of such parallel platforms.

The conclusions from this meeting are expected to inform future multilateral discussions, potentially within the framework of the United Nations and ongoing European and Arab diplomatic efforts. The initiative also aligns with broader international mobilization aimed at recognizing a Palestinian state.