France has formally recognised a Palestinian state, becoming the latest in a wave of countries to take this step.
Speaking at the UN in New York, President Emmanuel Macron stated, the time for peace has come and asserted that nothing justifies the ongoing war in Gaza.
France, alongside Saudi Arabia, is hosting a one-day summit at the UN General Assembly focused on plans for a two-state solution. Notably, G7 states Germany, Italy, and the US have opted not to attend.
Macron confirmed that nations including Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, and San Marino would also recognize a Palestinian state, following announcements from the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal.
International pressure is mounting on Israel regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ongoing settlement construction in the West Bank. Israel has condemned the recognition as a reward for Hamas, which was responsible for a deadly attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in 1,200 deaths and numerous hostages.
In his address, Macron called for the release of Israeli hostages and warned against continuous warfare, emphasizing that right must always prevail over might.
He pointed out that the international community has historically failed to forge a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, urging all parties to strive for a reality where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully and securely.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister also echoed the call for a two-state solution as the only path to lasting regional peace. UN Secretary General António Guterres described the Gaza humanitarian situation as morally, legally, and politically intolerable, insisting that a two-state solution is the only credible path for peace.
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the assembly via videolink due to visa restrictions, calling for a permanent ceasefire and denouncing Hamas's involvement in governance. He urged for a unified state free of weapons.
Macron expressed that France is ready to engage in a stabilisation mission in Gaza, contingent upon the release of hostages and the establishment of a ceasefire. He indicated that France would formally open an embassy in Palestine only after these conditions are met.
Amidst the tensions and protests supporting Palestinian recognition in various countries, Israel's ambassador to the UN dismissed the legitimacy of the recognition process, reiterating Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's opposition to a Palestinian state.
The political landscape around Palestine continues to evolve, with France's recognition highlighting the urgency for dialogue and resolution in a complicated geopolitical environment.
