France has officially recognized the State of Palestine, a move announced on Monday ahead of the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York.
President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the resumption of an international conference on the Israel-Palestine conflict co-chaired with Saudi Arabia, urged an end to the ongoing violence in Gaza. He called for the release of the remaining 48 hostages held by Hamas and pressed for a halt to bombings, killings, and displacement in the territory.
“The time for peace has come because we are just moments away from losing the chance to secure it,” Macron said. He emphasized that acknowledging Palestinian statehood does not undermine Israel’s rights. “The recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people takes nothing away from the rights of the Israeli people, which France has supported since day one,” he added.
France’s announcement followed similar recognition by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal on Sunday, drawing strong applause from delegates. Macron stressed that this step was crucial to advancing a two-state solution and ensuring lasting peace.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, welcomed the growing number of nations recognizing Palestine, describing it as a “historic step” toward a permanent and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. He urged more countries to follow suit, creating a path to stability and prosperity in the region.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who addressed the conference via video link, condemned violence against civilians on both sides and reiterated that Hamas would not be part of a future Palestinian government. He insisted that all armed groups must disarm and come under the authority of the Palestinian Authority to build a unified state.
While many nations endorsed the initiative, Israel and the United States boycotted the conference. Critics caution that the growing international pressure could further strain relations and heighten regional tensions.
The meeting comes on the heels of a UN General Assembly resolution that overwhelmingly endorsed the outcomes of the first phase of the conference held in July. World leaders are expected to continue these discussions during the UN General Debate, which opens Tuesday with about 150 heads of state and government in attendance.