Belgium Joins European Partners in Recognising State of Palestine

New York, The Gulf Observer: Belgium, Malta, Andorra, Monaco, and Luxembourg formally announced their recognition of the State of Palestine during an international conference on Palestine and the two-state solution, convened in New York on the eve of the United Nations General Assembly, according to media reports.

The announcements, delivered by the leaders of the five countries, were met with strong applause from delegates and hailed as a significant boost to international momentum in support of Palestinian statehood.

Malta’s Prime Minister stated that the recognition reflected a “firm belief in peace and justice, and in the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.” Luxembourg’s leader described the step as a “historic decision,” while Belgium emphasized that the move was consistent with its longstanding commitment to a negotiated two-state solution.

French President Emmanuel Macron also made a landmark announcement at the same gathering, declaring France’s official recognition of Palestine. “I declare that today, France recognises the State of Palestine,” Macron affirmed, calling it “the only solution that will allow for Israel to live in peace.”

The French President underlined the urgency of the decision in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, condemning what he described as “genocide” and urging an immediate halt to hostilities. “The time has come to stop war, the bombing in Gaza, the massacres and the fleeing people. Nothing justifies the ongoing war in Gaza,” he said.

Macron expressed gratitude to countries that had also recently recognized Palestine, including Andorra, Australia, Canada, Monaco, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and San Marino.

The coordinated announcements mark a decisive moment in international efforts to advance the two-state solution, adding to a growing number of nations extending full diplomatic recognition to Palestine.