New York: France and 14 other Western nations have collectively called for worldwide recognition of a Palestinian state, as stated by France’s top diplomat on Wednesday. This appeal was made through a joint statement by the foreign ministers of these countries following a conference held in New York. The conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed to rejuvenate discussions on a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians.
According to France24.com, the French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed this collective appeal on social media platform X, urging nations that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so. This joint effort marks a significant step by these nations to promote a resolution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Additionally, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK will formally recognize the State of Palestine in September, contingent on Israel making “substantive steps,” such as agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza. Should this recognition proceed, the UK and France would be the first G7 nations to take this action.
The statement from the 15 nations also reaffirmed their commitment to the vision of a two-state solution. Among the signatories, nine countries, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, indicated their willingness or positive consideration to recognize the Palestinian state.
Moreover, the conference witnessed 17 countries, along with the European Union and Arab League, joining calls for Hamas to disarm and cease its governance of Gaza. This move is seen as an effort to end the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory.