Full Breakdown
Paris Civil Society Summit Calls for Renewed Two-State Push Ahead of G7
6/14/2026, 10:15:59 PM
The Paris Conference: Core Event
On 12 June 2026, about 150 Israeli and Palestinian activists representing roughly 80 organisations gathered at the Arab World Institute in Paris. Co-hosted by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, the meeting concluded with an eight-point “Call for Action” urging a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, a halt to settlement expansion, reconstruction of Gaza, governance reforms and stronger international backing for civil society. The document will be delivered to Group of Seven leaders meeting in Evian-les-Bains the following week.
Background & Context
The conference marks the one-year anniversary of the UN-backed New York Declaration, which outlined a roadmap toward Palestinian statehood and prompted a dozen countries—including France, the United Kingdom and Canada—to recognise a Palestinian state in September 2025. Since then, settlement activity in the occupied West Bank has accelerated, and violence by Israeli settlers has intensified, prompting growing criticism in Western capitals.
Key Figures & Groups
Prominent participants included Jean-Noël Barrot, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Alliance for Middle East Peace (Allmep) executive director John Lyndon, and activists such as French-Israeli Yaël Lerer and Palestinian-Israeli Yonatan Zeigen. Foreign ministers from France, Britain, Canada, Norway, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey attended, alongside senior officials from Qatar, Spain, Mexico, Ireland and Belgium.
Data & Statistics
- Approximately 150 activists (?250 civil-society representatives in some reports) attended.
- Fifteen foreign ministers and deputy foreign ministers were present.
- Coordinated sanctions announced by Britain, Canada, France and Norway target Israeli networks financing West-Bank violence.
- Canada pledged US$100 million for Palestinian assistance; the EU added €20 million for grassroots peace-building.
- The E1 settlement project east of Jerusalem is cited as a key obstacle to territorial contiguity for a future Palestinian state.
Why It Matters
The summit seeks to keep the two-state solution on the diplomatic agenda as the G7 prepares to address the broader Middle-East war, Iran-related tensions and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Advocates argue that without renewed international pressure, settlement expansion and de-facto annexation could render a viable Palestinian state impossible.
Official Statements & Responses
France’s foreign ministry described the conference as “essential and urgent” given the stalled Gaza ceasefire and rising civilian casualties. Kaja Kallas reiterated that “peace is also built from the bottom up.” The Israeli embassy declined participation, stating the conference “has nothing to do with promoting peace” and recalling that Palestinians have rejected statehood proposals on five occasions. The United States also abstained from attendance.
Criticism & Opposition
Activist Yaël Lerer condemned the conference as “complicity in inaction,” urging sanctions and an end to what she termed Israel’s “genocidal policy.” Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel highlighted the humanitarian impact of Israel’s blockade on Gaza aid deliveries. Several participants warned that sanctions or sports bans could further radicalise the Israeli government.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on participant numbers—some cite 250 civil-society representatives, others 150 activists. The Israeli embassy’s claim of five Palestinian rejections of statehood proposals is not corroborated by other participants. Details on enforcement mechanisms for the proposed ceasefire and reconstruction funding remain unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We could find every reason in the world to give up. But you are here! Your testimonies alone are grounds for hope and action,” — Jean-Noël Barrot, French Foreign Minister
- “The two-state solution remains the only viable path to bringing lasting peace to the Middle East,” — Kaja Kallas, EU Foreign Policy Chief
- “We have always talked among ourselves, that has never been a problem.” — Yaël Lerer, French-Israeli activist
- “How can we be expected to create a new reality when you continue to sponsor the existing one?” — Yonatan Zeigen, Gaza survivor
What’s Next
The eight-point plan will be presented to G7 leaders in Evian-les-Bains on 15 June 2026. Participants hope the summit will catalyse concrete commitments on a monitored ceasefire, settlement freeze and a transparent, multi-year reconstruction mechanism for Gaza, while urging the international community to fund the Palestinian Authority and schedule long-overdue Palestinian elections.
