New York: French President Emmanuel Macron officially recognised the state of Palestine during a UN summit, a move aimed at galvanising support for a two-state solution to the Mideast conflict. This announcement comes a day ahead of the 2025 UN General Assembly in New York. France joins Western allies such as Britain and Canada in taking this historic step, which has angered Israel. Macron emphasised the urgent need for peace and outlined a framework for a "renewed Palestinian Authority" that includes conditions such as reforms, a ceasefire, and the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

According to France24.com, the Palestinian Authority (PA) lauded France's recognition as a "historic and courageous decision." The PA's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates stated that this recognition aligns with international law and UN resolutions, supporting ongoing efforts to achieve peace and implement a two-state solution. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres reiterated that statehood for Palestinians is a right. Despite the symbolic nature of the recognition, it has boosted Palestinian morale in their quest for statehood.

The recognition by France follows similar moves by Australia, Britain, Canada, and Portugal. Israel has cautioned France against this decision, with some far-right Israeli officials contemplating annexation of the West Bank. Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, stated that the recognition supports terrorism rather than promoting peace. The US, a key ally of Israel, attempted to dissuade recognition plans, with President Donald Trump arguing that statehood should result from negotiations. Germany also refrained from recognising Palestinian statehood, advocating for a negotiated two-state solution instead.

The UN summit in New York drew over 140 world leaders, although Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had to attend virtually due to a visa denial by US authorities. Israel has decided to skip an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Gaza, citing the Jewish New Year. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintained his stance against a Palestinian state and vowed to expand settlements. The announcement of France's recognition of Palestinian statehood comes against the backdrop of ongoing conflict, with substantial casualties reported on both sides since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

New York: French President Emmanuel Macron officially recognised the state of Palestine during a UN summit, a move aimed at galvanising support for a two-state solution to the Mideast conflict. This announcement comes a day ahead of the 2025 UN General Assembly in New York. France joins Western allies such as Britain and Canada in taking this historic step, which has angered Israel. Macron emphasised the urgent need for peace and outlined a framework for a "renewed Palestinian Authority" that includes conditions such as reforms, a ceasefire, and the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

According to France24.com, the Palestinian Authority (PA) lauded France's recognition as a "historic and courageous decision." The PA's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates stated that this recognition aligns with international law and UN resolutions, supporting ongoing efforts to achieve peace and implement a two-state solution. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres reiterated that statehood for Palestinians is a right. Despite the symbolic nature of the recognition, it has boosted Palestinian morale in their quest for statehood.

The recognition by France follows similar moves by Australia, Britain, Canada, and Portugal. Israel has cautioned France against this decision, with some far-right Israeli officials contemplating annexation of the West Bank. Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, stated that the recognition supports terrorism rather than promoting peace. The US, a key ally of Israel, attempted to dissuade recognition plans, with President Donald Trump arguing that statehood should result from negotiations. Germany also refrained from recognising Palestinian statehood, advocating for a negotiated two-state solution instead.

The UN summit in New York drew over 140 world leaders, although Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had to attend virtually due to a visa denial by US authorities. Israel has decided to skip an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Gaza, citing the Jewish New Year. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintained his stance against a Palestinian state and vowed to expand settlements. The announcement of France's recognition of Palestinian statehood comes against the backdrop of ongoing conflict, with substantial casualties reported on both sides since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.