France and Saudi host summit on Palestinian statehood as US boycotts

France and Saudi Arabia will host dozens of world leaders in New York on Monday to push for a two-state solution, with several expected to formally recognise a Palestinian state.

Israel and the United States will boycott the gathering, with Israel’s UN envoy Danny Danon dismissing it as a “circus”.

Israeli officials warned they may respond by annexing parts of the occupied West Bank and by taking measures against France, while Washington signalled that countries backing recognition could also face consequences.