New York: France, alongside 14 other Western nations, has issued a global appeal urging countries to recognize the State of Palestine. This announcement was made by France's top diplomat, following a significant conference held in New York, which was co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. The conference aimed at rejuvenating efforts towards a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
According to France24.com, the foreign ministers of these 15 countries released a joint statement late Tuesday, expressing their collective desire for global recognition of Palestine. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot took to social media platform X to emphasize the call for countries that have yet to recognize Palestine to do so.
In a related development, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the UK plans to formally recognize the State of Palestine by September, contingent on Israel taking certain substantive steps, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza. This move by the UK, alongside France, would position them as the first G7 nations to recognize Palestine.
The joint statement by the 15 nations reiterated their unwavering commitment to the vision of a two-state solution. Among the nations that have yet to recognize Palestine, nine indicated their willingness or positive consideration to do so, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Additionally, during the conference, 17 countries, along with the European Union and Arab League, called for Hamas to disarm and end its rule of Gaza, in efforts to conclude the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory.
