UNITED NATIONS: Dozens of world leaders rallied behind the recognition of a Palestinian state during a landmark meeting at the United Nations on Monday, in a diplomatic push that defies opposition from Israel and its closest ally, the United States.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would formally recognise Palestine during a session he hosted with Saudi Arabia in New York, a move that drew sustained applause and marked a symbolic shift nearly two years into Israel’s devastating war in Gaza.
“We must pave the way for peace,” Macron said. “We must do everything within our power to preserve the very possibility of a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.”
The announcement came as Israel pressed ahead with a ground offensive on Gaza City.
The enclave’s health authorities say more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its military campaign following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead.
French official: Arab states to condemn Hamas, seek Palestinian statehood
Israel’s most right-wing government has vowed there will never be a Palestinian state. Its UN ambassador, Danny Danon, said the matter “was supposed to be negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians” and would be addressed after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets US President Donald Trump in Washington on September 29.
The US and Israel boycotted Monday’s UN meeting, insisting recognition of Palestinian statehood will complicate prospects for peace.
Recognition gathers pace
Macron’s announcement was part of a wider momentum. Luxembourg, Malta, Belgium and Monaco joined the growing list of European nations recognising Palestine, following similar decisions by Britain, Canada and Australia on Sunday. Spain and several other European states had already moved in 2024.
“You have two countries from the Security Council, the UK and France, recognising the state of Palestine,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said. “And within the Western world, there’s now a large majority of countries that already recognise Palestine.”
‘Summit on Palestinian statehood planned for September’
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, denied a US visa to attend, appeared via video link urging countries to “support Palestine becoming a full-fledged member of the United Nations.” He pledged reforms and elections within a year of a ceasefire.
Currently, Palestine holds observer status at the UN without voting rights. Any bid for full membership requires Security Council approval, where Washington retains a veto.
Divided Europe, regional concerns
While much of Europe now backs recognition, Germany and Italy remain opposed. Berlin insists recognition should follow — not precede — a negotiated settlement, while Rome warned unilateral recognition could be “counterproductive.”
Israel has threatened to respond with measures including annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank, a step that could alienate Arab states such as the United Arab Emirates, which normalised ties under the US-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020. The UAE has said annexation would undermine the deal.
The United States has also cautioned of “possible consequences” for countries acting against Israel, including France.
Divided public reactions
The diplomatic shift sparked sharp reactions across the region.
In east Jerusalem, Palestinian resident Rania Elias called the recognition “too late” and “merely symbolic.”
In famine-hit Gaza City, Iyad Keshko argued it would isolate Israel internationally.
Others were more sceptical. Ramallah student Salma Ali dismissed it as “performative,” saying life under occupation remained unchanged.
Among Israelis, reactions ranged from anger to fear. Fitness trainer Galia Pelled in Jerusalem called the move a “betrayal,” while another resident, Shelly Zuckerman, said recognition was “just symbolic” but hoped it could lead to real progress.
Meanwhile, Jewish settlers renewed calls for annexation. Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria regional council, argued sovereignty should be extended across the West Bank to prevent “the creation of a terrorist state.”
Road to peace remains elusive
Despite growing international recognition, the two-state solution — once the cornerstone of peace efforts under the 1993 Oslo Accords — has been moribund for over a decade. No negotiations have been held since 2014.
Amid escalating violence in Gaza and the West Bank, world leaders at the UN warned that recognition may be the last opportunity to preserve the idea before it disappears entirely.