France joins UK and Canada in recognising Palestinian state
Loud applause as France recognises state of Palestine
- France has officially recognised the state of Palestine, becoming the fifth country in two days to do so, following the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal.
- French President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement at a United Nations conference, receiving a standing ovation from the Palestinian delegation and other leaders.
- The recognition aims to generate new support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, despite expectations of limited immediate impact on the ground.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government opposes Palestinian statehood, viewing it as a reward for Hamas, and has hinted at potential unilateral steps in response.
- Netanyahu is scheduled to discuss Israel's response with President Donald Trump, whose administration also opposes the growing international recognition of a Palestinian state.