France Recognizes Palestine as Official State Amid Global Diplomatic Shift

France Formally Recognizes Palestinian State, Joining Wave of Countries PARIS (AP) — In a move that has sparked both praise and criticism, France formally recognized the state of Palestine on Monday, becoming the latest country to take this step. President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement at the United Nations in New York, stating "the time for peace has come" and emphasizing that "nothing justifies the ongoing war in Gaza." The recognition comes as international pressure mounts on Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and settlement building in the West Bank. The move is seen as a significant development in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Macron's statement was met with applause from representatives of countries that have already recognized Palestine, including Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, and San Marino. These nations are expected to follow France's lead, joining the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, which announced recognition on Sunday. The decision has been criticized by Israel, which claims that recognition would reward Hamas for its October 2023 attack on Israeli civilians. "This move will only serve to embolden terrorist organizations and undermine efforts towards peace," said an Israeli government spokesperson. However, Palestinian leaders have welcomed the recognition as a significant step towards statehood. "Today's decision by France is a major victory for our people and a testament to the growing international support for our cause," said a senior Palestinian official. The move has also been seen as a rebuke to the United States, which did not attend a one-day summit hosted by France and Saudi Arabia on Monday. The summit focused on plans for a two-state solution to the conflict, but the US absence was notable given its traditional role in mediating Middle East peace talks. US President Donald Trump is due to address the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, where he is expected to outline his administration's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The leaders of key regional players such as Jordan and Qatar will also speak at the assembly. The recognition by France and other countries has been seen as a response to the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has left thousands of Palestinians without access to basic necessities like food and water. Human rights groups have accused Israel of perpetuating this crisis through its blockade and settlement policies. As the international community continues to weigh in on the conflict, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the path to peace remains uncertain. With France's recognition of Palestine, the global spotlight is now firmly fixed on the US, which will be under pressure to respond with a clear policy on the issue. In related news, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, and San Marino have announced plans to recognize Palestine in the coming days, following the lead of France. The UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal made similar announcements on Sunday. The recognition by these countries is seen as a significant development in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has left millions of Palestinians stateless for decades. As the international community continues to grapple with this issue, one thing is clear: the road to peace will be long and fraught with challenges. AP writers contributed to this report from Paris, Jerusalem, and New York. *Reporting by Bbc.*