France recognized Palestine as an independent state and, along with Saudi Arabia at a United Nations conference led by the two countries, called on Israel to end the war in Gaza immediately.

“One solution exists to break the cycle of war and destruction: acknowledging each other,” French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday. “We must recognize that Palestinians and Israelis are living in twin solitude.”

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, reading out a message from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who wasn’t in New York, echoed those comments.

For her insight into the conflict with the UN General Assembly in the backdrop, hosts Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec speak with Mona Yacoubian, Director and Senior Adviser, Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.