In a major diplomatic move, France officially recognized the State of Palestine on Monday, ahead of the annual United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The announcement came during a resumed international conference focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
French President Emmanuel Macron urged an end to the violence in Gaza and called for the release of the remaining hostages still held by Hamas.
> “The time has come to free the 48 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza and to stop the bombing, massacres and displacement in the embattled enclave,” Macron told attendees.
Addressing the urgent need for a political resolution, Macron declared:
> “The time for peace has come because we’re just a few moments away from no longer being able to seize peace.”
France’s decision to recognize Palestine follows similar declarations made a day earlier by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal. Macron’s statement was met with extended applause from diplomats and international delegates present at the conference.
> “The recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people takes nothing away from the rights of the people of Israel who France supported from Day One and to the respect of which it is staunchly committed,” Macron emphasized.
> “This is why we’re so convinced that this recognition is the only solution that will allow for Israel to live in peace.”
The conference builds on momentum from an earlier phase held in July, where a UN General Assembly resolution strongly backed the two-State framework. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud welcomed the growing list of nations recognizing Palestinian statehood.
> “We call on all other countries to take a similar historic step that will have a great impact on supporting the efforts towards the implementation of the two-State solution,” he said.
> “They should find a new reality whereby the region can enjoy peace, stability and prosperity.”
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking via video link—after being denied a U.S. visa—renewed calls for negotiations with Israel to end the ongoing conflict.
> “We affirm our condemnation of the crimes of the occupation, and we also condemn the killing and capture of civilians, including what Hamas committed on October 7, 2023,” Abbas stated.
He also declared that Hamas would not be part of a future Palestinian government.
> “Hamas will not have a role in government, and it and other factions must surrender their weapons to the Palestinian Authority, because we want a single, unified state. One legitimate, one armed, and one law.”
The goal shared by participating nations is to revive diplomatic hopes for a lasting peace based on a two-state vision—an independent Palestine existing alongside Israel.
However, critics caution that such recognition may heighten regional tensions. Both Israel and its key ally, the United States, boycotted the conference.
The UN General Assembly’s General Debate opens Tuesday, with around 150 world leaders expected to attend.
