France set to join countries recognising Palestinian state

New Delhi, Sep 22: France is preparing to formally recognise a Palestinian state later today, joining a growing group of Western nations moving in that direction.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the step as “a great day for peace,” calling it a major diplomatic victory for his country. Barrot said President Emmanuel Macron would announce the decision at the United Nations General Assembly, framing it as a symbolic but immediate act underscoring France’s commitment to a two-state solution.

He stressed that recognition would not endanger Israel but instead marginalise Hamas by strengthening Palestinians who have renounced violence.

France’s move follows the UK, Australia, Canada and Portugal, which officially recognised Palestine on Sunday. At a UN conference in New York later today, co-hosted by Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, more European microstates are expected to follow suit — including Belgium, Luxembourg, Andorra, San Marino and Malta.

More than three-quarters of the UN’s 193 members already recognise Palestine, though key powers such as the US, Israel, Germany and Italy remain opposed. New Zealand has said it is weighing the decision, with an announcement expected later this week.The latest recognitions mark one of the most significant shifts in Western diplomacy on the Israel-Palestine conflict in decades, adding momentum to efforts to keep the two-state vision alive amid ongoing tensions.