France recognised the state of Palestine at the UN during a high-profile meeting on the issue, joining the last wave of countries that reacted to Israel’s ongoing violence by granting statehood rights to Palestine.
The move further isolates the United States, which remains opposed to the Palestinian state. However, with France joining the likes of the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Portugal, the US looks increasingly isolated in their wholehearted support of Israel.Â
Speaking in front of 140 leaders, including the Palestinian delegation, French President Emmanuel Macron said, “true to the historic commitment of my country to the Middle East, to peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, this is why I declare that today, France recognises the state of Palestine.”
While the recognition from more countries will not change the situation on the ground in Gaza, where Israel is continuing its violent military operation in what it calls a response to Hamas’ terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, surely it signals a shift in the Western world in support of the Palestinian right to exist.
Until recent years, most Western European countries supported recognition only through negotiations with Israel. With France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Andorra and Monaco recognising Palestine, with Slovenia planning to follow in the coming months. Germany and Italy remain the two major European countries that have not yet recognised the move.
