NEW YORK: In a landmark diplomatic move, France has formally recognised the State of Palestine during a historic United Nations meeting co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement on September 22, declaring it a necessary step to keep alive the two-state solution and ensure the possibility of peace between Israel and Palestine.
Macron stated, “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.” He added that France would move towards establishing an embassy in Palestine, conditioned upon key steps such as governance reforms, a Gaza ceasefire, and the release of all remaining prisoners.
The recognition by France was accompanied by similar announcements from Monaco, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, and San Marino, joining a growing list of Western nations that have shifted their stance. Just days earlier, Australia, Britain, Canada, Portugal, and Malta also confirmed their recognition of Palestinian statehood, signalling mounting global momentum in support of Palestine.
Pakistan, represented by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the summit, welcomed the development. The Foreign Office in Islamabad reiterated that Pakistan had recognised Palestine since its 1988 declaration of independence and urged the international community to follow suit in accordance with justice and international law.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking via video link after being denied a U.S. visa, hailed the recognition as a victory for his people. He pledged elections and governance reforms within a year, contingent on the establishment of a ceasefire. Abbas also appealed to nations still hesitant to recognise Palestine to take immediate steps towards doing so.
While analysts note that the recognition is largely symbolic, it carries powerful political weight and increases diplomatic pressure on Israel and its allies. Observers caution, however, that without tangible measures on the ground — meaningful peace talks, civilian protection, and international guarantees — the impact risks remaining more symbolic than practical.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.