As the conflict between Israel and Palestine continues, the international community is once again focusing on finding a political solution that can stabilise the region and end years of violence.
The UK, seeking to sustain it’s influence in the Middle East, is actively coordinating its position with France and Saudi Arabia on the Palestinian issue.
Diplomatic Standstill: Gaza, PNA Challenges
In 2024 and early 2025, the conflict in Gaza escalated, causing a wave of international concern about the humanitarian situation in the region.
Israel continues to conduct operations against Hamas, while the Palestinian Authority loses influence and support in the West Bank.
Against this backdrop, London, Paris and Riyadh increasingly find themselves on the same diplomatic wavelength, both in bilateral negotiations and at the UN and other international organisations.
The initiatives of the UK, France and Saudi Arabia are aimed at reviving international efforts to advance a "two-state solution"; an idea that implies the coexistence of Israel and Palestine within peaceful and recognised borders.
Despite skepticism, this concept remains the cornerstone of international diplomacy in the region.
UK: Return to Regional Diplomacy
The UK’s historical role in Palestine, from the League of Nations mandate to the formation of Israel, gives its participation in the process special symbolic and political significance.
Since Brexit, London has been actively building its own foreign policy, seeking to strengthen ties with key partners in Europe and the Middle East.
Recent visits by the British Foreign Secretary to Riyadh and Paris, as well as high-level bilateral consultations, indicate London’s attempt to take an active position as a mediator.
British diplomacy is trying to balance support for Israel as an ally with the desire to protect the Palestinian population, stressing the need for a ceasefire, respect for international humanitarian law and the resumption of peace talks.
France: Europe’s Voice for Dialogue
France, traditionally a more independent foreign policy maker, is actively involved in the Middle East process as one of the few EU countries capable of speaking to both sides of the conflict.
Paris stresses the need to stop the construction of Israeli settlements, condemns acts of violence on both sides, and supports efforts to strengthen the Palestinian Authority as a legitimate partner in the negotiations.
In March 2025, a trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Great Britain, France, and Saudi Arabia was held to discuss steps to form a new international initiative to resolve the conflict.
Paris expressed its readiness to support the idea of an international conference with the participation of key Arab and Western powers, including Egypt, Jordan, the United States, and Turkey.
Saudi Arabia
Despite its refusal to have formal diplomatic relations with Israel, Saudi Arabia is playing an increasingly active role in the diplomacy of the region.
Amid U.S. efforts to normalise Israeli-Arab relations, Riyadh maintains a firm position: normalisation is possible only if there is progress on the Palestinian issue.
The Saudi authorities emphasize that the creation of an independent Palestinian state with the 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital remains a prerequisite.
Coordination with Britain and France allows Riyadh to increase international pressure on Israel without entering into direct confrontation, but retaining its moral leadership in the Islamic world.
Common Ground and Differences
Despite their shared desire for de-escalation, differences in approach remain between the UK, France and Saudi Arabia. London has traditionally been cautious in criticising Israel, trying not to upset the special bilateral relationship.
Paris, on the other hand, is increasingly ramping up pressure on the Israeli authorities.
Riyadh, however, is acting in response to domestic pressure and the desire to maintain its position as the leader of the Arab world.
Nevertheless, the parties agree on key points: the need to stop the violence, respect for the rights of civilians, humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and a restart of the negotiation process. This coordination reflects an attempt to create a united diplomatic front that can influence the dynamics of the conflict.
Prospects and Challenges
Coordination between the UK, France and Saudi Arabia opens up new opportunities for diplomacy, but real changes are unlikely to occur in the short term.
The political landscape within Israel and Palestine remains highly volatile, and the interests of other major players, like the United States, Iran, Turkey, and Russia, makes it highly difficult to reach a consensus.
However, the growing engagement of these three countries could form the basis for a new multilateral format that could overcome the diplomatic stalemate.
Given the economic and political importance of each side, their participation could provide the necessary legitimacy and impetus to future initiatives.
Diplomatic coordination is a hopeful step for a sustainable settlement to enduring tragedy in the Middle East.
Stay tuned to Daily Euro Times for the latest insights!
Explore more articles:
The Great Wall of Belt and Road, the EU Looks East
Dolce Diplomacy: Charles Doubles Down on UK-EU Ties
A Artist’s Muse: Folklore and Feminist Manifestos
