French President Emmanuel Macron announced France’s official recognition of the state of Palestine, receiving a standing ovation in the United Nations General Assembly hall.
The historic declaration made during a Franco-Saudi conference on the two-state solution chaired by Macron redraws the diplomatic landscape.
Over 140 world leaders have appreciated the decision giving the French president a standing ovation.
In the UN assembly hall, the Palestinian delegation was seen highly emotional, rising to their feet as Macron confirmed France’s support towards the “historic commitment to peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians.”
“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,” Macron said.
France has become the fifth major Western nation to recognize Palestine following the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal.
This acknowledgement is anchored on the international consensus to have a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Many countries view this vision as the sole path to a long-term peace.
Despite the threats, a UN official urged resolve, stating, “We cannot be distracted by threats and intimidation.” The diplomatic shift underscores growing international impatience with the stalled peace process and a concerted effort to chart a new course toward resolution.