France Leads Call for Broader Support of Palestinian Statehood

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged the international community to recognize Palestinian statehood more broadly. In a post on X, he announced a collective call alongside representatives from 14 other nations during a United Nations conference in New York. The statement invites countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to join this effort.

The joint statement was co-signed by foreign ministers from Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, and Spain. In their declaration, the ministers condemned the attacks carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023, called for the immediate release of all hostages, and reiterated their support for a two-state solution in the Middle East.

International Reactions and Concerns

The foreign ministers expressed grave concern regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where civilian casualties have surged amid ongoing conflict. Their call for recognition of Palestinian statehood comes as the United Nations General Assembly is set to convene in September.

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, announced last week that the country would recognize Palestine as a state during the UNGA. This decision drew criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described it as rewarding terrorism. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed these sentiments, labeling the move as “reckless.”

In response to the backlash, a French diplomatic official defended the recognition, suggesting it could encourage key Arab and Muslim partners to take steps toward isolating Hamas. The official stated that recognizing Palestinian statehood could lead to support for a full disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from future Palestinian governance.

Shift in British Policy

In a notable development, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated a shift in the United Kingdom’s stance, announcing that the UK would recognize Palestinian statehood unless the Israeli government takes “substantive steps” to resolve the crisis in Gaza. This statement aligns closely with France’s recent efforts to foster broader international support for Palestinian recognition.

The evolving dynamics around Palestinian statehood highlight the complexities of international relations in the region, as diplomatic efforts continue to address longstanding conflicts. As discussions progress, the call for recognition of Palestinian statehood remains a critical topic on the global stage.