Macron announces that France officially recognizes state of Palestine at the UN

FOLLOW US!
As the war in Gaza continues, France recognized Palestinian statehood on Monday at the start of a high-level meeting at the United Nations aimed at drumming up support for a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict. Other countries are expected to follow suit, defying Israel and the United States.

French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement in the U.N. General Assembly chamber drew thunderous applause from more than 140 leaders in attendance, according to the Associated Press. The Palestinian delegation, including its U.N. ambassador, Riyad Mansour, could be seen standing and applauding as the declaration was announced. Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, was seen applauding on live camera after the U.S. government barred him from attending the U.N. meeting in person.

“Faithful to my country’s historic commitment to the Middle East, to peace between Israelis and Palestinians, that is why I am announcing today that France recognizes the State of Palestine,” Macron said.

The meeting and the expanded recognition of Palestinian statehood are expected to have little, if any, practical impact on the ground, where Israel is waging another major offensive in the Gaza Strip and expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Macron announced the recognition of the State of Palestine at the start of a meeting that is expected to feature several world leaders. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to address the meeting via video link after he and dozens of other senior Palestinian officials were denied US visas to attend the conference.