France among six more countries to formally recognize Palestinian statehood

Belgium, Malta, Andorra, Monaco and Luxembourg have announced that they officially recognise the State of Palestine, joining a growing list of nations declaring recognition at an international conference in New York.

The leaders of the three countries made the announcements during the gathering on Palestine and the two-state solution, held on the eve of the UN General Assembly.

The move drew applause from delegates and was hailed as a boost to international momentum for Palestinian statehood.

"This recognition reflects our firm belief in peace and justice, and in the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination," Malta’s prime minister said.

His Luxembourg counterpart described it as a "historic decision," while Belgium said the step aligned with its longstanding support for a negotiated two-state solution.

French President Emmanuel Macron earlier announced recognition at the same meeting.

"I declare that today, France recognises the state of Palestine," he said, calling it "the only solution that will allow for Israel to live in peace."

Macron said the decision was urgent as Israel’s genocide in Gaza continues.

"The time has come to stop war, the bombing in Gaza, the massacres and the fleeing people. Nothing justifies the ongoing war in Gaza," he told delegates.

Growing momentum

Macron thanked countries that have also recently declared recognition, including Andorra, Australia, Canada, Monaco, Portugal, the UK and San Marino.

He said recognition "paves the way for useful negotiations" and urged Arab and Muslim states to normalise ties with Israel once a Palestinian state is established.

Macron also said France could open an embassy in Palestine "as soon as all of the hostages detained in Gaza have been freed and a ceasefire has been established," adding Paris was ready to contribute to an international stabilisation mission.

The conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, followed a similar gathering in July. The US and Israel did not attend.

"The two-state solution summit, jointly hosted by France and Saudi Arabia at the UN, was boycotted by Israel and the US. But the event proved to be a significant diplomatic success for the Palestinians, as it culminated in France and many others recognising a Palestinian state," said TRT World’s Baba Umar, reporting from the United Nations in New York.

"The growing international consensus was further underscored by supportive statements from other world leaders present at the event."

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Source: TRT