Developments in Gaza Amidst Global Focus on the Israel-Iran Conflict

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High-level diplomatic talks on Gaza were due to start on Tuesday, but have been put on hold while hundreds of Palestinians have been killed near aid distribution sites, as tensions between Israel and Iran reach a boiling point.

Israeli forces have stepped up their bombardment of Iranian cities. At the same time, Iran has launched its most effective missile barrage yet, breaching Israeli air defences.

The rising conflict between the adversaries has been a focus internationally, as world leaders discuss de-escalation at the G7 summit in Canada.

Meanwhile, the momentum towards an Israel-Palestinian two-state solution has come undone, with the postponement of a United Nations conference planned to discuss the future of the war-torn region.

Top-level UN conference on Palestinian statehood cancelled

France and Saudi Arabia had been set to host the gathering between 17-20 June in New York, aiming to lay out the parameters for a road map to a Palestinian state, while ensuring Israel’s security.

French President Emmanuel Macron is spearheading the push to recognise a Palestinian state and had been set to attend the conference on 18 June.

He has previously suggested France could recognise a Palestinian state in Israeli-occupied territories at the conference, a move opposed by Israel.

“This postponement cannot undermine our determination to move forward with the implementation of the two-state solution,” Macron said.

“Whatever the circumstances, I have stated my determination to recognise the state of Palestine.”

United States President Donald Trump’s administration sent a diplomatic cable earlier this week to discourage governments around the world from attending the conference, according to a US cable seen by Reuters news agency.

It had also warned of possible consequences for those who took measures against Israel, raising pressure on the participants and making Macron’s potential decision to recognise a Palestinian state more complicated.

Hundreds killed near aid distribution sites

While the UN looks to plan a new conference, it has continued to denounce Israeli-backed aid delivery methods in Gaza.

Israeli fire killed at least 50 people on Monday, nearly half of them near an aid distribution site run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

People gathered in a muddy area, some carrying cardboard boxes on their heads.

Israeli fire killed at least 50 people, nearly half of them near an aid distribution site run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, according to local health authorities. Source: Getty / Anadolu

Medics said at least 23 of those people were killed and 200 others wounded near an aid distribution site in Rafah, the latest in daily mass shootings that have killed hundreds of Palestinians trying to reach food.

Israel has put responsibility for distributing much of the aid it allows into Gaza into the hands of the GHF, which operates three sites in areas guarded by Israeli troops.

The UN has rejected the plan, saying GHF aid distribution is inadequate, dangerous, and violates the principles of humanitarian impartiality.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military about Monday’s reports of shootings. In previous incidents, it has occasionally acknowledged troops opening fire near aid sites, but claimed it opened fire only when “suspects” deviated from a stipulated route to the GHF distribution site.

The GHF said in a statement it has distributed more than 3 million meals at its four distribution sites without incident.