Arab leaders to discuss UN Gaza stabilisation force plan with Trump

Arab and Muslim leaders are to meet Donald Trump in New York to discuss their plan for a UN-mandated international stabilisation force in Gaza after France last night joined the UK, Canada and Australia in recognising Palestine as a state last night.

- Patrick Wintour, Andrew Roth New York

The recognition of Palestine by France and five other states was due to play out in dramatic fashion on the floor of the UN general assembly as France and Saudi Arabia co-chaired a summit to discuss the future of a two-state solution, a roadmap to peace that Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a dead end.

Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon, derided the session as an "embarrassing political circus" and the US has warned its allies that the recognition of Palestine could lead to a “reciprocal” Israeli reaction, setting the ground for a diplomatic crisis as world leaders meet in New York for the 80th anniversary of the UN.

Israel has warned it may respond to recognition of Palestine by annexing the West Bank, citing claims from Hamas that recognition by allies of Israel was a victory for the terror group.

France has said the plan for a stabilisation force would marginalise Hamas by disarming the group and excluding it from power.

The proposal, which was due to be endorsed last night at a UN conference on Palestinian statehood, includes a UN-mandated force to provide security in Gaza, oversee the disarmament of Hamas and help train a Palestinian Authority police force.