*UK and France Abandon Plans to Recognise Palestinian State at Peace Conference* - UK and France shelve plans to recognise Palestinian state at June 17-20 New York peace conference, reversing earlier support. - Conference, co-sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, will now focus on vague "steps towards recognition" instead of immediate statehood. - Israel approved 22 new West Bank settlements, blocking Palestinian statehood. - Macron previously called Palestinian statehood a "moral duty," but now links recognition to ceasefire, hostage release, and PA restructuring. - Only 20% of Israelis support a Palestinian state; 56% of Jewish Israelis back transferring Palestinian citizens out of Israel. - Ireland, Spain, and Norway recognised Palestine in 2024; some UK Conservative MPs also support recognition. - Critics condemn Western duplicity, shielding Israel while delaying Palestinian self-determination. The Elders urge Macron to treat recognition as a peace step, not a bargaining chip. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250609-shameful-u-turn-as-uk-and-france-abandon-plans-to-recognise-palestinian-state-at-peace-conference/