France joins in as nations rally for Palestinian state

As the Gaza war rages on, France recognised Palestinian statehood on Monday at the start of a high-profile meeting at the United Nations aimed at galvanising support for a two-state solution to the Mideast conflict. More nations are expected to follow, in defiance of Israel and the United States.

- Agencies

This came as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, an outspoken critic of Israel's war in Gaza, called for a state of Palestine to be admitted to the UN.

French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement in the UN General Assembly hall received loud applause from the more than 140 leaders in attendance. The Palestinian delegation, including its UN ambassador, Riyad Mansour, could be seen standing and applauding as the declaration was made.

"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 recognizes the state of Palestine," Macron said.

The Spanish PM said "The State of Palestine must be a full member of the United Nations," he continued.

"The process for the State of Palestine to join this organisation must be completed as soon as possible, on an equal footing with other states," he said.

Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco also announced or confirmed their recognition of a Palestinian state, a day after the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal did. Germany, Italy and Japan took part in the conference but did not recognize such a state.

The meeting and expanded recognition of Palestinian statehood are expected to have little if any actual impact on the ground, where Israel is waging another major offensive in the Gaza Strip and expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank.