France recognizes the state of Palestine at UN summit

UNITED NATIONS,— France on Monday officially recognized “Palestine” as a state, joining a group of countries that have moved in recent days to endorse Palestinian aspirations for independence, even as fighting rages in Gaza and Israeli settlements expand in the West Bank.

President Emmanuel Macron announced the step before world leaders assembled at the U.N. General Assembly, where more than 140 delegations had gathered. His declaration was met with loud applause, including from the Palestinian mission led by U.N. envoy Riyad Mansour.

“Consistent with the historic role of France in seeking peace between Israelis and Palestinians, we recognize today the state of Palestine,” Macron said.

Within hours, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and Monaco either announced or confirmed similar recognition. Their decisions followed those of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal, which had declared recognition the previous day.

Germany, Italy and Japan took part in the meeting but refrained from making the move.

Guterres Calls for Rights

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Palestinian statehood should be treated as a right. “This is not a reward,” he told the assembly, a statement interpreted as directed toward Israel, whose government contends recognition would legitimize Hamas after its October 7, 2023, attack.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the gathering by video after his U.S. visa was revoked. He denounced civilian casualties on all sides, including those caused by Hamas during its October 7 assault.

“To the Israeli public, I say: enough of this cycle of conflict,” Abbas said. He also extended best wishes to Jewish communities observing Rosh Hashanah.

Abbas explained that the Palestinian Authority has halted stipends to families of those killed or jailed by Israel, a practice heavily criticized by Washington and Tel Aviv. He said the PA has started to implement a new welfare system.

The Palestinian Authority administers areas of the West Bank, recognizes Israel, and advocates for a two-state solution. It is often accused by Palestinians of corruption and heavy-handed rule. Israel has excluded the Authority from any future role in Gaza.

Diplomatic Momentum

Nearly three-quarters of U.N. members recognize Palestine, though until recently many Western states withheld recognition, insisting it could only follow talks with Israel. Palestinians see the latest announcements as a sign that their cause is gaining ground internationally.

The widely supported formula for peace envisions Israel existing alongside a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, lands captured by Israel during the 1967 Middle East war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long opposed such an outcome and says recognition rewards Hamas. He has hinted at possible annexation of parts of the West Bank. Netanyahu will travel to Washington next week to meet U.S. President Donald Trump before addressing the U.N.

The Trump administration also opposes recognition and has blamed it for undermining negotiations toward a ceasefire in Gaza. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff left those talks in July. This month, an Israeli airstrike in Qatar targeted Hamas representatives linked to mediation efforts, according to regional officials.

Fighting in Gaza

Israel has pressed forward with its military campaign against Hamas Islamist group, striking Gaza City and other areas. More than 65,000 people have been reportedly killed since the conflict began.

Israel’s government, the most right-wing in the nation’s history, has declared that a Palestinian state will not be allowed. The current war was triggered by Hamas’ assault on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians including children, in Israel and led to the capture of hostages.

The recognition of Palestine by France and other nations marks a symbolic shift in international diplomacy. But on the ground, the conflict shows no sign of easing.

(With files from AP | Agencies)