NEW YORK: France formally recognised the state of Palestine on Monday at the United Nations General Assembly, a landmark diplomatic step that drew applause from over 140 world leaders.
“True to the historic commitment of my country to the Middle East, to peace between Israelis and Palestinians, this is why I declare that today, France recognises the state of Palestine,” French President Emmanuel Macron announced, prompting a standing ovation from the Palestinian delegation.
Macron said the recognition was “the only path to a peaceful future for Israel,” describing it as an affirmation of “legitimacy, humanity, and dignity.” France was joined by Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco in recognising Palestine, following similar declarations from the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal a day earlier.
Divided Global Response
Germany, Italy, and Japan stopped short of recognition but joined discussions. Israel condemned the move, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it “an absurd reward for terrorism” and warning of possible unilateral annexation of West Bank territory. The UAE, one of Israel’s regional partners, cautioned that annexation would cross a “red line.”
The U.S. also criticised the recognition drive, with President Donald Trump’s administration accusing it of derailing ceasefire talks with Hamas. Envoy Steve Witkoff withdrew from negotiations in July, and an Israeli strike this month targeted Hamas negotiators in Qatar.
Palestinian Leadership and UN Stand
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, addressing the assembly by video after the U.S. revoked his visa, condemned civilian killings on both sides and pledged reforms: “What we want is a state with one law and one legitimate security force.” He said Hamas would have no role in a restructured authority and confirmed the end of payments to families of militants, a long-standing Israeli and U.S. demand.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed that Palestinian statehood was “a right, not a reward,” warning: “Without two states, there will be no peace in the Middle East, and radicalism will spread.”
Symbolism vs. Reality
Around three-quarters of UN members already recognise Palestine. Earlier this month, a “New York Declaration” co-sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia passed 142–10 in the General Assembly, calling for “tangible, time-bound and irreversible steps” toward a two-state solution while condemning Hamas’ October 7 attacks and Israel’s civilian assaults in Gaza.
Still, the war rages on. Israeli airstrikes killed at least 34 people in Gaza on Sunday night, including children, according to local health officials.
For many Palestinians, recognition offers hope but little immediate relief. “This is a beginning, or a glimmer of hope, for the Palestinian people,” said Fawzi Nour al-Deen, who fled Gaza City with his family.
