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France formally recognises Palestinian state

President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement in New York where France and Saudi Arabia are hosting a one-day summit at the UN General Assembly focused on plans for a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict. 

La rédaction de Mediapart

This article is freely available.

France has formally recognised a Palestinian state, becoming the latest in a wave of countries to take the step, reports the BBC.

Speaking at the UN in New York, President Emmanuel Macron said "The time for peace has come" and that "Nothing justifies the ongoing war in Gaza".

France and Saudi Arabia are hosting a one-day summit at the UN General Assembly focused on plans for a two-state solution to the conflict. G7 states Germany, Italy, and the US did not attend.

Macron confirmed that Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra and San Marino would also recognise a Palestinian state, after the UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal announced recognition on Sunday.

International pressure is ramping up on Israel over the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza and settlement building in the West Bank.

Israel has said recognition would reward Hamas for the Palestinian armed group's 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.

Read more of this report from the BBC.