France recognises Palestinian state in UN speech, drawing prolonged applause: Video
France has formally recognised a Palestinian state, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday in a speech that drew a 30-second ovation from delegates at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“The time has come for peace,” Macron told leaders, urging an immediate halt to Israel’s war in Gaza and the release of hostages still held by Hamas. “For peace between the Israeli people and the Palestinian people, I declare that France recognises the State of Palestine today.”
The French president said his decision was rooted in France’s longstanding ties to both Israel and the Palestinians.
“This recognition is a way of affirming that the Palestinian people are not a people in excess,” he said, adding that it did not diminish Israel’s right to security.
Macron stressed that France’s commitment to Israel’s security remained firm, pointing to its support against Iranian missile attacks. But he said the ongoing bombardment of Gaza was destroying lives without offering a path to peace.
“Nothing, nothing more justifies the pursuit of war in Gaza. Nothing,” he told the Assembly. “To save lives, we must do everything to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution.”
The President also invoked Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish in describing Palestinians as a people with dignity and history, and warned against abandoning the UN’s original promise of two states living side by side in peace.
Macron said the recognition aimed to restart serious negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.
“This path is the path of peace and security for all,” he said, urging others to follow France’s lead.
Several countries did so. Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra and San Marino would also recognise a Palestinian state, after the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal made the same announcement on Sunday.
Spain, Ireland, Norway and Slovenia recognised Palestine in 2024.
Macron warned against “the peril of endless wars,” telling the Assembly: “Right must always prevail over might. The time has come.”
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
