France, Alongside Multiple European Nations, Officially Recognizes State of Palestine
France, along with several other European nations, has officially acknowledged the Palestinian state. This development represents a diplomatic setback for Israel following nearly two years of intense conflict in Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced, “I declare that today France recognizes the state of Palestine,” during an international conference on Palestine held in New York on Monday. This declaration comes in advance of the commencement of this week’s session of the United Nations General Assembly.
He stated that the acknowledgment “lays the groundwork for constructive negotiations and is beneficial for both Israelis and Palestinians,” as they strive towards “a comprehensive peace and security plan for everyone involved.”
During a high-level conference, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, officially announced his nation’s recognition of the state of Palestine. Frieden described the move as “the beginning of a renewed commitment” to fostering hope, diplomacy, and coexistence.
He highlighted that the decision was intended to rejuvenate the possibility of achieving “peace” grounded in international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, affirmed his nation’s recognition of Palestine, stating, “The situation in Gaza is both morally and legally unacceptable, and it is our collective responsibility to take action.”
San Marino, Malta, and Monaco have joined France and other nations in officially recognizing the statehood of Palestine.
The Foreign Minister of Andorra, Imma Tor Faus, affirmed that Palestinians deserve to live in peace and security within their own sovereign state.
She has urgently called for a ceasefire in Gaza, labeling the current situation as “unbearable.” She highlighted concerns over hunger being used as “a weapon of war” by Israel and the extensive forced displacement of civilians.
During his address at the conference, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez advocated for the swift admission of Palestine as a full member state of the United Nations.
He criticized the Israeli assault on Gaza, calling for an immediate halt to what he described as “slaughter,” amid ongoing indiscriminate bombing of the civilian population in the region.
“History will evaluate us, and its judgment will be severe on those responsible for this atrocity, as well as those who remained silent or ignored it,” he stated.
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin, whose country joined Spain, Norway, and Slovenia in recognizing Palestine last year, has characterized the suffering endured by Palestinians in Gaza as “an affront to the world.”
The situation has escalated to the extent that what is widely recognized as genocide is unfolding before the eyes of the global community.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged the growing momentum, emphasizing that “the state of Palestine has been recognized by the majority of EU member states.”
In a significant diplomatic development, Australia, Canada, Portugal, and the United Kingdom have officially announced their recognition of Palestine.
Currently, over 80 percent of countries worldwide have extended official recognition to the State of Palestine.
Palestine Praises Global Endorsement of Statehood
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas hailed the decisions as “a crucial and essential move towards establishing a fair and enduring peace in line with international resolutions.”
Abbas has issued an appeal for a ceasefire in Gaza, urging the allowance of aid into the area, a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the region, and the cessation of Israeli aggression in the occupied West Bank.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry previously lauded France’s action as a “historic and courageous decision,” emphasizing its conformity with international law and UN resolutions. The ministry noted that the move supports ongoing endeavors to achieve peace and advance the implementation of a two-state solution.
The ministry has called upon nations that have not yet recognized Palestine to emulate France’s example and advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza.
On October 7, 2023, a significant escalation in violence occurred when hostilities between Israel and Gaza erupted, following Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, which was carried out by Palestinian fighters. This operation was in response to what they describe as a prolonged period of aggression and devastation in the occupied West Bank.
The ongoing Israeli military operations in the embattled region have resulted in the tragic loss of over 65,344 Palestinian lives, a majority of whom are women and children.
