PakkaHyderabadi 
The Palestinian delegation stands and applauds at the United Nations General Assembly after French President Emmanuel Macron announces recognition of the State of Palestine.
In a historic diplomatic move, France formally recognised the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, aligning itself with a growing chorus of global powers advocating for a two-state solution in the Middle East. The declaration by French President Emmanuel Macron was met with applause from over 140 world leaders, with the Palestinian delegation visibly moved by the announcement.
“France recognises the State of Palestine,” Macron stated, underscoring the country’s long-standing commitment to peace in the region. He described recognition as the only viable path to securing a peaceful future for both Israelis and Palestinians. Several European nations, including Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, and Monaco, also echoed or confirmed their recognition, joining others like the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, who had made similar announcements earlier.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking via video after the US revoked his visa, condemned violence by both Hamas and Israeli forces, and emphasized that the Palestinian Authority had stopped payments to families of militants—a gesture to reform governance and distance itself from militant factions. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also strongly supported the recognition, declaring that Palestinian statehood is “a right, not a reward.”
However, Israel staunchly opposed the move. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “an absurd reward for terrorism” and warned of unilateral steps, including potential annexation of West Bank territories. While recognition does not change conditions on the ground—where conflict and occupation persist—it signals a growing global consensus for a negotiated solution. “This is a beginning, or a glimmer of hope,” said Fawzi Nour al-Deen, a Palestinian man fleeing Gaza with his family.
