France joins list of countries recognizing state of Palestine

NEW YORK, United States (MNTV) — French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France has formally recognized the state of Palestine, a move he described as essential to advancing peace efforts in the Middle East.

Speaking at an international conference on Palestine held in New York ahead of the UN General Assembly, Macron declared: “Today, France recognizes the state of Palestine.” He stressed that the recognition marked “the only solution that will allow Israel to live in peace.”

Macron framed the decision as a step toward reconciliation rather than confrontation, calling it “a defeat for Hamas, and for all who spread antisemitism, fuel anti-Zionist obsessions, or seek the destruction of the state of Israel.”

He welcomed the growing number of countries that have recently extended recognition to Palestine, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Portugal, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Andorra, and San Marino.

The French leader said recognition “opens the way for meaningful negotiations” and could contribute to “a comprehensive peace and security plan for both Israelis and Palestinians.”

The New York conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, built on a similar gathering held in July aimed at rallying international support for a two-state solution.

Since October 7, 2023, Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, the majority women and children, according to local health authorities.