New York: France has formally recognised the State of Palestine during a high-level United Nations meeting co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, marking a historic shift in European diplomacy. President Emmanuel Macron said the decision was rooted in France’s long-standing commitment to peace and was aimed at reviving the stalled two-state solution, which he described as essential for the future security of Israel and the rights of Palestinians.
Alongside France, several European nations including Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and Monaco also announced recognition of Palestinian statehood. The move comes after other Western nations such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal took similar steps earlier this year. With these additions, more than three-quarters of UN member states now officially recognise Palestine.
Macron stressed that recognition was not an end in itself but part of a broader process. He said France would condition the opening of a Palestinian embassy on key steps, including the release of hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza and reforms within the Palestinian Authority.
The Palestinian leadership welcomed the recognition, with President Mahmoud Abbas calling it an affirmation of Palestinian rights and a step toward international justice. UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed this sentiment, stating that Palestinian statehood is a right, not a reward.
The decision, however, drew sharp criticism from Israel. Israeli officials warned that such recognition undermines direct negotiations and could embolden militant groups. The United States also voiced opposition, arguing that unilateral recognition risks complicating peace efforts and weakening incentives for dialogue.
While largely symbolic in terms of immediate changes on the ground, the move significantly boosts Palestine’s diplomatic standing and increases pressure on Israel. Analysts believe the recognition could strengthen the Palestinian Authority’s position internationally, though challenges remain given the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israeli settlement expansion and internal Palestinian divisions.
France’s decision signals a growing shift among European countries toward recognising Palestine, even as it risks straining ties with Israel and the United States. Diplomats say the recognition could mark the beginning of a new phase in Middle East peace efforts, though its success will depend on whether it translates into concrete progress at the negotiating table.