France Formally Recognizes Palestinian State Amidst Pivotal UN General Assembly

In a significant diplomatic move, France has formally recognized a Palestinian state, joining a growing number of nations taking this step. President Emmanuel Macron announced the decision from the UN General Assembly in New York, stating that “the time for peace has come” and that “nothing justifies the ongoing war in Gaza.”

The announcement comes as global leaders converge for the UN General Assembly, with US President Donald Trump scheduled to address the body today, Tuesday. Leaders from key regional players, including Jordan and Qatar, are also expected to speak. The recognition follows a one-day summit hosted by France and Saudi Arabia on Monday, which focused on a two-state solution, notably without the attendance of the US, Germany, and Italy.

This wave of recognition includes countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, which announced their decisions on Sunday, with Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, and San Marino also expected to follow suit. International pressure is intensifying on Israel over the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and continued settlement expansion in the West Bank.

Israel maintains that such recognition rewards Hamas following its October 7, 2023, attack. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 65,000 Palestinian casualties, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, and Israeli forces are currently engaged in a ground offensive in Gaza City, where a famine was confirmed last month.

President Macron reiterated the urgent need to end the war and secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, speaking on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, underscored that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also announced a new financial instrument for Gaza’s reconstruction, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the Gaza situation as “morally, legally and politically intolerable.” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, addressing the conference via videolink, called for a permanent ceasefire and a unified state without Hamas’s armed presence, urging the group to surrender its weapons to the Palestinian Authority.

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