France recognised a Palestinian state at a world summit in New York on Monday, nearly two years into the war in Gaza, joining Britain, Canada and other Western allies who made the same historic move on Sunday and were rebuked by Israel.
"Time has come. This is why, loyal to my country’s historic commitment to the Middle East, for peace among Israeli people and Palestinian people, I declare that France recognises today the state of Palestine.
The recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people takes nothing away from the rights of the people of Israel, which France has supported from day one, the respect of which it is as much committed, precisely because we are convinced that this recognition is the only solution that will allow for peace for Israel."
French President Emmanuel Macron outlined a framework for a "renewed Palestinian Authority" under which France would open an embassy subject to factors such as reforms, a ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages taken from Israel and held by Hamas in Gaza.
The Palestinian foreign ministry said it welcomed France's recognition, describing it as a "historic and bold" move that supports efforts to achieve peace and implement a two-state solution.
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