France and 14 Other Nations Signal Potential Recognition of Palestinian State
France, along with 14 other countries, has endorsed a statement indicating that future recognitions of an independent Palestinian state could occur in the coming months, with Canada, New Zealand, and Australia among those considering the move.
The joint declaration, issued by French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Wednesday, stated that the signatories "have already recognized, have expressed, or express the willingness or the positive consideration of our countries to recognize the State of Palestine."
The countries that signed include Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Portugal, and San Marino, none of which have formally recognized Palestinian statehood. Also listed were Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain, which have previously done so. French President Emmanuel Macron recently stated that France would recognize Palestine in the near future.
The statement was released ahead of the conclusion of a three-day UN conference focused on reviving the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It reaffirmed the signatories’ "unwavering commitment to the vision of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, coexisting peacefully within secure and recognized borders." Additionally, it emphasized the "importance of unifying Gaza and the West Bank under Palestinian governance."
This comes amid increasing calls for Israel to halt its military operations in Gaza, which began in October 2023 following a Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly Israelis, and the abduction of more than 250 individuals. According to Gaza’s health authorities, over 60,000 people have reportedly been killed in the conflict.
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer recently stated that Britain would recognize Palestine in September unless Israel takes significant steps to halt the violence in Gaza, agree to a ceasefire, and commit to long-term peace efforts aimed at the two-state solution.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump initially remarked that he did not oppose Starmer’s stance, saying he was focused on humanitarian relief. However, he later criticized the idea, arguing that recognizing Palestine might "reward Hamas," a group he said should not be legitimized.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed this week that his government would consider recognizing Palestinian statehood if it contributes to advancing negotiations. "What we’re examining is whether recognition can help achieve the goal of two states," Albanese said. "Throughout my political career, I’ve supported Israel’s right to secure borders and the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people."
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