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France has officially recognized the State of Palestine, with President Emmanuel Macron saying that \u201cthe time has come\u201d for peace. Credit: European Union<\/p>\n
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France is officially recognizing the State of Palestine, a move he said was essential to keeping alive hopes for a two-state solution and ending the cycle of violence in the Middle East.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe time has come,\u201d Macron declared from the podium of the U.N. General Assembly in New York. \u201cFrance today recognizes the State of Palestine \u2014 for peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.\u201d His remarks drew sustained applause from the chamber.<\/p>\n
France recognizes State of Palestine, days after the UK, Canada and Australia<\/p>\n
France joins the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia<\/a> and Portugal, which formalized recognition on Sunday. Macron said other European countries including Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Andorra and San Marino were expected to follow.<\/p>\n The French decision raises to 151 the number of U.N. member states \u2014 out of 193 \u2014 that now recognize Palestinian statehood. The move does not change Palestine\u2019s status at the United Nations, where its bid for full membership has been blocked by the United States.<\/p>\n \u201cSome will say it is too late, others too soon,\u201d Macron said. \u201cBut we cannot wait any longer. The time of peace has come.\u201d He linked the recognition to calls for the release of 48 hostages <\/a>held by Hamas, an end to Israeli bombardments in Gaza and urgent action to halt mounting civilian casualties.<\/p>\n Macron stressed that France\u2019s recognition of Palestinian rights does not diminish its commitment to Israel\u2019s security. He condemned the Oct. 7 Hamas attack as \u201cthe worst terrorist attack in Israel\u2019s history\u201d and demanded the immediate release of all remaining hostages. \u201cThis recognition is a defeat for Hamas,\u201d he said, calling France a steadfast \u201cfriend of Israel.\u201d<\/p>\n The French president also outlined a vision for Gaza after a cease-fire, suggesting a new authority shared by the Palestinian Authority and young Palestinian leaders, backed by the United Nations and regional partners. He said France was ready to contribute troops to a stabilization mission and help train Palestinian security forces.<\/p>\n