JUST IN: Shift in Global Stance as France, Allies Back Palestinian State

France and 14 other nations have on Wednesday jointly issued a statement signaling a potential wave of recognitions of an independent Palestinian state, with countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand among those expected to act in the coming months.

The declaration, dubbed the New York Call, was unveiled on Wednesday by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.

It includes language expressing support for the recognition of Palestinian statehood.

The declaration stated that the signatories “have already recognised, have expressed, or express the willingness or the positive consideration of our countries to recognise the State of Palestine.”

Among the 15 signatories are countries that have not yet formally recognised Palestinian statehood.

They include Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Portugal, and San Marino.

Also on the list are nations such as Ireland, Iceland, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain, all of which have already extended recognition.

France, which has not yet officially recognised Palestine, is also signaling a shift.

President Emmanuel Macron recently indicated that France would move toward recognition in the near future.

The statement was released in the context of a three-day United Nations conference dedicated to reviving the long-stalled two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

It reaffirms the group’s commitment to the vision of “two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace within secure and recognised borders.”

The document also emphasized the need to reunify the West Bank and Gaza Strip under the governance of the Palestinian Authority.

The growing diplomatic pressure comes against the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

This began in October 2023 following a deadly incursion by Hamas that left around 1,200 people dead, mostly Israelis, and over 250 taken hostage.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, controlled by Hamas, more than 60,000 people have since died in the conflict.

In the UK, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer declared on Tuesday that Britain would recognise a Palestinian state by September.

He said it would go otherwise if:

• Israel takes “substantive steps” to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,
• agree to a ceasefire, and,
• commit to long-term peace talks aimed at a two-state resolution.

U.S. President Donald Trump initially brushed off Starmer’s comments, saying, “I’m looking for getting people fed right now.”

However, he later expressed opposition to Palestinian recognition, warning aboard Air Force One that such a move would amount to “rewarding Hamas,” and asserted that he could not support it.

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday that his government is exploring the appropriate timing for recognition of Palestine, aiming to make a contribution toward peace negotiations.

“What we’re looking at is the circumstances where recognition will advance the objective of the creation of two states,” Albanese said.

“My entire political life, I’ve supported the right of Israel to exist within secure borders and the right of Palestinians to realise their legitimate aspirations for statehood.”

In Canada, state media have reported that Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is actively considering recognition of Palestine, though no decision has been finalized.

Carney is reportedly scheduled to lead a virtual cabinet meeting on the Middle East this week to discuss the matter.

The joint declaration has sparked condemnation from Israeli officials.

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, criticized the move, arguing that it undermines regional peace efforts and legitimizes terrorism.

“While our hostages are languishing in Hamas terror tunnels in Gaza, these countries choose to engage in hollow statements instead of investing their efforts in their release,” Danon said.

“This is hypocrisy and a waste of time that legitimizes terrorism and distances any chance of regional progress.

“Those who truly want to make progress should start with an unequivocal demand for the immediate return of all the hostages and the disarmament of Hamas.”

As diplomatic activity intensifies, the coming months could see a significant shift in international policy on Palestinian recognition.

This is especially if leading Western nations such as France, Canada, and Australia proceed with formal acknowledgments.

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