The Kabul Tribune (KT) — France and five other countries announced Monday they are formally recognizing Palestinian statehood, adding momentum to international efforts for a two-state solution ahead of the annual United Nations General Assembly.
Alongside France, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and Monaco declared recognition of Palestine at a high-level summit in New York, co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi officials.
“We have gathered here because the time has come,” Macron said at the meeting, which aimed to revive long-stalled peace efforts. “It falls on us, this responsibility, to do everything in our power to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution. Today, I declare that France recognises the state of Palestine.”
The announcement follows similar moves on Sunday by Australia, Canada, Portugal and the United Kingdom, whose leaders also spoke at the meeting.
With the latest declarations, more than 80 percent of the UN’s 193 member states — about 147 nations — now formally recognize Palestinian statehood.
The wave of recognitions increases diplomatic pressure on Israel as its war in Gaza continues. More than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since the offensive began, and much of the enclave has been reduced to rubble, according to Palestinian health officials.
Spain, Norway and Ireland recognized Palestine last year, with Madrid also imposing sanctions on Israel over the war.
