That is now seen as a prize that will emerge from other measures, including a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages, reform of the Palestinian Authority, economic reconstruction and a definitive end to Hamas’s rule in Gaza. — when Pigs fly!

France and Saudi Arabia have set up eight working parties to prepare the necessary ingredients for a two-state solution, and Macron is hosting a conference of civil society under the banner of the "Paris Peace Forum" immediately before the three-day conference.

The UK is overseeing the humanitarian working party and other working groups cover reconstruction, economic viability of a Palestinian state, promoting respect for international law, narratives for peace and “peace day”, an imagining of the benefits to both sides from a peaceful settlement.

Israel and the US have attended run-up meetings to the conference but have not spoken, prompting speculation they may boycott the event.

Israel has fought hard to prevent stateless Palestinians achieving self-determination. Polls show only a fifth of the Israel electorate favour a two-state solution and 56% of Jewish Israelis supported the “transfer of Arab citizens of Israel to other countries”.

Israel has also approved plans to build a further 22 settlements in the West Bank — the biggest expansion in decades.
Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, said it was “a strategic move that prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state”.

Macron’s initiative has been described as “disastrous” by the Israel’s ambassador to France, Joshua Zarka.
Recognition of a Palestinian state was previously seen as an outcome of a failed 1990s-era two-state plan.

However, governments in Europe increasingly doubt Israel has any intention to ease its control over Palestinians and see recognition as a possible lever to force a change of thinking among Israeli officials.