France has officially recognised Palestine as a state, joining other countries that have recently taken the same step.
Speaking at the United Nations in New York, French President Emmanuel Macron said, “The time for peace has come. Nothing justifies the ongoing war in Gaza.”
US President Donald Trump will address the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, along with leaders from Jordan and Qatar. On Monday, the US skipped a peace summit organised by France and Saudi Arabia, which focused on a two-state solution.
Germany and Italy were also absent.
Several other European nations including Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra and San Marino plan to recognise Palestine soon.
This follows similar announcements from the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal on Sunday.
Pressure is growing on Israel as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens and settlement building continues in the West Bank.
Israel argues that recognition rewards Hamas for its 7 October 2023 attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.
Since then, over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. Israeli forces are currently fighting in Gaza City, where famine was confirmed last month.
Macron said the war must stop, hostages must be freed, and peace restored. He warned against “endless wars” and insisted that “right must always prevail over might.
” He also called for a transitional administration led by the Palestinian Authority (PA) to take over Gaza from Hamas.
France said it would open an embassy in Palestine only when hostages are freed and a ceasefire is in place.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, speaking for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, repeated that a two-state solution is the only path to lasting peace.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new EU fund to help rebuild Gaza. She said: “We must all do more. This is why we will set up a Palestine Donor Group.”
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres described the Gaza crisis as “morally, legally, and politically intolerable” and said a two-state solution is the only realistic way forward.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking via video after the US revoked his visa, called for a permanent ceasefire.
He said Hamas should give up its weapons and play no role in governing Gaza. Abbas also condemned the 7 October Hamas attack and told Israelis: “Our future and yours depends on peace.
Enough violence and war.”
Israel strongly rejected France’s move. Ambassador Danny Dannon said recognition is a “charade” and warned Israel could annex the West Bank.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted there will never be a Palestinian state west of the River Jordan. President Isaac Herzog said recognition would only “embolden the forces of darkness.”
In Paris, the Eiffel Tower displayed both Israeli and Palestinian flags, while many French town halls raised Palestinian flags despite government orders for neutrality. Pro-Palestinian protests also took place across Italy.
Germany has said recognition should come only at the end of peace talks.
However, its foreign minister admitted that the process toward Palestinian statehood must begin now.