The push for a two-state solution to the Israel-Gaza conflict gathered momentum last night after several more world leaders formally recognised a Palestinian state.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the move, backed by more European countries, as ‘a necessity’.
It comes hard on the heels of a decision by the UK, Canada, Portugal and Australia to do likewise.
President Macron believes the decision will result in the ‘beginning of a political process and a peace and security plan for everybody’.
France, like the UK, carries considerable diplomatic weight as both a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the G7, and co-ordinated the push with Saudi Arabia in New York yesterday, on the sidelines of this week’s UN General Assembly.
“We must pave the way for peace,” President Macron said at the beginning of a planned three-hour session at the United Nations.
“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,” he said before announcing the diplomatic move drawing lengthy applause from the audience.
Macron outlined a framework for a “renewed Palestinian Authority” under which France would open an embassy subject to factors such as reforms, a ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages taken from Israel and held by Hamas in Gaza.
Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg and San Marino were also expected to recognise a Palestinian state early this morning ahead of this week’s UN General Assembly. Malta made the announcement earlier yesterday.
The Palestinian foreign ministry said it welcomed France’s recognition, describing it as a “historic and bold” move that supports efforts to achieve peace and implement a two-state solution.
“We call on those who have not yet done so to follow suit,” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said via video link, as he was unable to attend the milestone events after being refused a US visa.
“We call for your support so that Palestine becomes a full-fledged member of the United Nations,” he added, promising reforms and elections within a year of a ceasefire.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said “statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward”.
More than 140 world leaders gathered in New York yesterday for the meeting that was boycotted by the United States and Israel.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon said Israel would discuss what action to take in response to the announcements of recognition after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returns to Israel next week.
A delegation representing the State of Palestine has observer status at the UN - but no voting rights.
No matter how many countries recognise Palestinian independence, full UN membership would require approval by the Security Council, where the US has a veto.
The two-state solution was the bedrock of the US-backed peace process ushered in by the 1993 Oslo Accords.
The process suffered heavy pushback from both sides and has all but died. No such negotiations over a two-state solution have been held since 2014.