France Recognises State of Palestine at UN Summit Amid Gaza Conflict
New York, The Gulf Observer: France on Monday formally recognised the state of Palestine during a United Nations summit in New York, nearly two years into the ongoing war in Gaza. The move places France alongside Western allies including Britain and Canada, which have made similar historic recognitions.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly, President Emmanuel Macron said, “The time for peace has come, as we are just moments away from no longer being able to seize it.” He stressed the urgency of freeing the 48 hostages held by Hamas and ending the war, bombings, massacres, and displacement in Gaza.
Macron highlighted France’s commitment to a two-state solution, stating, “We must do everything within our power to preserve the very possibility of a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.” He formally announced, “France recognises the state of Palestine,” receiving loud applause from leaders and top officials representing more than 140 countries.
The French President also outlined a framework for a “renewed Palestinian Authority,” under which France would open an embassy, contingent upon reforms, a ceasefire, and the release of all hostages taken from Israel and held by Hamas.
Palestinian Authority Hails Recognition
The Palestinian Authority welcomed the recognition as a “historic and courageous decision.” The PA’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in Ramallah stated that the move aligns with international law and UN resolutions, supporting ongoing efforts to achieve peace and implement the two-state solution.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres affirmed that “statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward,” while noting that the recognition, largely symbolic, is not expected to immediately change conditions on the ground.
Israel and US Express Opposition
Israel strongly opposed France’s move. Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, warned, “We will take action. They are supporting terrorism rather than promoting peace.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has repeatedly opposed Palestinian statehood and is considering annexation of parts of the West Bank.
The United States, a key ally of Israel, unsuccessfully urged France and other countries to drop recognition plans. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Donald Trump views such recognitions as a “reward to Hamas” and believes the decisions do not constitute meaningful action toward peace.
Germany also maintained its opposition, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reiterating that “a negotiated two-state solution is the path that can allow Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security and dignity.”
UN Summit and Gaza Crisis
The UN summit, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, brought together over 140 world leaders, though Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas participated virtually after being denied a US visa. Israel announced it would skip an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Gaza due to the Jewish New Year, calling the timing “regrettable.”
The summit comes amid ongoing conflict stemming from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which killed 1,219 Israelis, mostly civilians. Israeli military operations since then have resulted in the deaths of over 65,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry.
