France joins UK, Australia, Canada in recognising Palestinian statehood at UN
Around three-fourths of UN member states already recognise Palestine, but until now most major Western powers had withheld recognition, insisting it should come through negotiations with Israel.
Around three-fourths of UN member states already recognise Palestine, but until now most major Western powers had withheld recognition, insisting it should come through negotiations with Israel.
Around three-fourths of UN member states already recognise Palestine, but until now most major Western powers had withheld recognition, insisting it should come through negotiations with Israel.
United Nations: France formally recognised the state of Palestine on Monday at the United Nations, joining a growing list of Western nations that have taken the step despite opposition from Israel and the United States.
French President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement at the start of a high-profile UN meeting aimed at reviving support for a two-state solution to the decades-long Middle East conflict. His declaration drew loud applause from more than 140 world leaders gathered at the General Assembly. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who was barred by Washington from attending in person, was seen applauding via live video.
“True to the historic commitment of my country to peace between Israelis and Palestinians, I declare that today France recognises the state of Palestine,” Macron told delegates.
The move comes a day after the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada also announced recognition of Palestinian statehood, marking a significant shift among Israel’s traditional allies. Leaders of the three countries said their decision was meant to keep alive prospects for a two-state solution, not as a reward for Hamas.
Around three-fourths of UN member states already recognise Palestine, but until now most major Western powers had withheld recognition, insisting it should come through negotiations with Israel. The coordinated announcements this week signal mounting frustration with Israel’s continuing war in Gaza and the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated that Palestinian statehood is “a right, not a reward,” while warning that failure to act risks putting peace further out of reach.
Israel has sharply criticised the recognitions, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arguing that they reward Hamas for its October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the ongoing war. Netanyahu is expected to outline Israel’s response after meeting US President Donald Trump in Washington next week.
Palestinians have welcomed the diplomatic momentum, calling it a “glimmer of hope” for independence after decades under occupation. Analysts say while the recognitions carry more symbolic than practical weight on the ground, they increase international pressure for a renewed push towards peace.
(With PTI, AP inputs.)