France Recognizes Palestinian State, Calls for Two-State Solution
Macron Declares “Time for Peace Has Come” at UN
France has officially recognized the State of Palestine, joining a growing number of nations pushing for a two-state solution to the decades-long conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, French President Emmanuel Macron said, “The time for peace has come. Nothing justifies the ongoing war in Gaza.”
France and Saudi Arabia jointly hosted a one-day summit at the UN focused on advancing peace efforts, though key G7 nations—including the United States, Germany, and Italy—were notably absent.
Momentum Builds as More Countries Recognize Palestine
France’s decision comes as international recognition of Palestine gathers pace. Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, and San Marino are expected to follow suit after the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal announced recognition earlier in the week.
This growing wave of support increases pressure on Israel, which faces mounting global criticism over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its continued settlement expansion in the West Bank.
Israel’s Response and Gaza Crisis
Israel has strongly opposed international recognition of Palestine, arguing that it rewards Hamas for its October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. That attack left around 1,200 people dead and more than 250 taken hostage.
Since then, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military operations. Israeli forces are currently conducting a ground offensive in Gaza City, an area where famine was declared last month.
Macron stressed that the violence must end and called for the immediate release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. He cautioned against the “peril of endless wars” and emphasized that “right must always prevail over might.”
Saudi Arabia, EU, and UN Push for Peace
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, speaking on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, told the UN that a two-state solution was the “only path to lasting peace in the region.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the creation of a new financial instrument to support Gaza’s reconstruction, saying, “We must all do more. This is why we will set up a Palestine Donor Group.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation in Gaza as “morally, legally, and politically intolerable,” reiterating that the two-state solution remained the “only credible path” for peace.
Palestinian Leadership Calls for Unity and Ceasefire
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, unable to attend the UN General Assembly in person after the US revoked his visa, addressed the summit via videolink.
He called for a permanent ceasefire and insisted Hamas must play no role in governing Gaza, urging the group to surrender its weapons to the Palestinian Authority.
“What we want is one unified state without weapons,” Abbas said, condemning both Hamas’s October 7 attack and Israel’s ongoing war. Speaking directly to the Israeli people, he added: “Our future and yours depends on peace. Enough violence and war.”