Amid the ongoing war in Gaza and decades of stalled peace talks, French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday declared that France now recognises the Palestinian state — a dramatic announcement at the UN General Assembly that drew thunderous applause and renewed global debate over a two-state solution.
“True to the historic commitment of my country to the Middle East, to peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, this is why I declare that today, France recognises the state of Palestine,” Macron said.
The moment was symbolic, yet powerful. Members of the Palestinian delegation rose to their feet, visibly moved, as the chamber of more than 140 world leaders broke into applause. The announcement injected fresh urgency into long-stalled efforts for a two-state solution, even as Israel pressed its war in Gaza and expanded settlements in the West Bank.
A WAVE OF RECOGNITION
France joined a growing list of countries embracing Palestinian statehood. Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and Monaco announced or confirmed recognition, following similar moves from the UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal just a day earlier. But divisions remain: Germany, Italy and Japan, while present at the meeting, declined to extend recognition.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres reminded delegates, “Statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward,” a pointed rebuttal to Israel’s insistence that recognition hands Hamas a victory after its October 7 attack two years ago.
ABBAS CALLS FOR AN END TO WAR
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, addressing the assembly by video after the US revoked his visa, tried to strike a conciliatory note. He condemned both Hamas’ deadly assault and Israel’s unrelenting military campaign, saying: “Enough violence and war.” He also extended Rosh Hashana greetings to Jews worldwide and highlighted reforms within the Palestinian Authority, including ending payments to families of militants — a long-standing demand from Israel and Washington.
Still, Abbas’ leadership faces skepticism. Many Palestinians view his government as corrupt and authoritarian, while Israel has dismissed the Palestinian Authority as unfit to govern Gaza after the war.
SYMBOLISM VERSUS REALITY
Roughly three-quarters of UN member states now recognize Palestine, a number that has steadily grown over the past decade. For Palestinians living under siege, the recognition offers more hope than change. “This is a beginning, or a glimmer of hope,” said Fawzi Nour al-Deen, fleeing Gaza City with his belongings stacked on his head.
The Palestinian state would encompass the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem — territories Israel captured in the 1967 war. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long opposed the two-state model, warning it rewards Hamas. He has threatened annexation of parts of the West Bank, a move UN spokesman Stphane Dujarric said should not distract from pursuing peace: “We cannot be distracted by threats and intimidation.”
NETANYAHU, TRUMP SET TO RESPOND
Netanyahu is expected to announce Israel’s response after meeting President Donald Trump at the White House next week, their fourth encounter since Trump returned to office. Both leaders oppose international recognition of Palestine, blaming it for stalling ceasefire talks with Hamas.
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