U.S. Rejects UN Two-State Solution Conference, Slams It as “Publicity Stunt”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly described the initiative as “a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th and a reward for terrorism.”
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The United States on Monday harshly criticized a planned United Nations conference in New York focused on the two-state solution, calling it an “unproductive and ill-timed” initiative that threatens ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In a strongly worded press statement, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the conference would "prolong the war, embolden Hamas, and reward its obstruction," warning that such symbolic events undermine the real-world negotiations aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region.
“This is a publicity stunt that comes in the middle of delicate diplomatic efforts to end the conflict,” Bruce stated. “Far from promoting peace, the conference will prolong the war.”
The U.S. government confirmed it will not take part in the conference. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly described the initiative as “a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th and a reward for terrorism.” The statement echoed those sentiments, saying the conference “keeps hostages trapped in tunnels” and distracts from serious diplomacy.
The U.S. position contrasts sharply with recent moves by some European allies. The statement singled out French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement on recognizing a Palestinian state, suggesting it had emboldened Hamas and weakened ceasefire efforts.
“President Macron’s announcement about recognizing a Palestinian state was welcomed by Hamas,” the statement noted. “This reflects a pattern of counterproductive gestures that only emboldens Hamas, encourages its obstruction of a ceasefire, and greatly undercuts our diplomatic efforts.”
The criticism reflects Washington’s frustration with parallel diplomatic moves that, in its view, risk derailing negotiations on the ground and may complicate hostage-release efforts.
The UN-backed conference is expected to gather a number of international representatives and pro-Palestinian advocates calling for renewed momentum toward Palestinian statehood, even as the war continues. Washington’s decision to boycott the meeting highlights the growing divisions within the international community over how best to address the ongoing crisis.
