Rescheduled UN conference will discuss Palestine recognition, says France

A rescheduled UN conference this month will discuss post-war plans for Gaza and preparations for the recognition of a Palestinian state by France and others, the French foreign minister said on Tuesday.

France and Saudi Arabia had initially planned to host the conference in New York between 17 and 20 June. 

"The aim is to sketch out post-war Gaza and prepare the recognition of a Palestinian state by France and countries that will engage in this approach," Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said in Brussels before a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

The conference was postponed under US pressure and after the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, during which regional airspace was closed, making it hard for some Arab representatives to attend. 

The summit has been rescheduled for 28 and 29 July, diplomats told Reuters.  

French President Emmanuel Macron was set to attend the original conference and had suggested he could recognise a Palestinian state. 

However, Macron is no longer expected to attend, reducing the likelihood of any major announcements being made.

- Reporting by Reuters