France recognises Palestinian state at UN meeting

France formally recognised the state of Palestine on Monday during the opening of a high-level United Nations meeting, a move that drew applause inside the General Assembly hall and set the stage for more nations to follow despite opposition from Israel and the United States.

- MPOST BUREAU

President Emmanuel Macron announced the decision before more than 140 world leaders, declaring, “True to the historic commitment of my country to the Middle East, to peace between the Israelis and he Palestinians, this is why I declare that today, France recognises the state of Palestine." His remarks were met with a standing ovation from the Palestinian delegation, including UN envoy Riyad Mansour, while President Mahmoud Abbas, barred from attending the session in person due to a US visa denial, was seen clapping during the live broadcast.

The declaration comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Diplomats acknowledged that the recognition would not alter realities on the ground but argued it could revive international pressure for a two-state solution.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated that "statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward," in an apparent response to Israel's position that such recognition benefits Hamas, the group behind the October 7 attacks that ignited the current conflict.

Several countries joined France in extending recognition. On Sunday, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal formally recognised Palestine, and Palestinian officials expect up to ten nations to follow in the coming days.