France and Western Allies Push for Palestine’s UN Recognition
France and fourteen other Western nations have formally called for Palestine to be recognized as a state by the United Nations General Assembly, scheduled for September, according to a letter made public on Wednesday, reports 24brussels.
The foreign ministers from countries such as Australia, Canada, and Spain emphasized the necessity of reconciling the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority in their correspondence.
The letter expressed the countries’ “unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-State solution.”
Shared by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on X, the letter further urged for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all Hamas hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian access to the affected areas.
Alongside France, the letter was signed by Andorra, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, and Slovenia. All signatories have either recognized Palestine or indicated their intent to do so.
Addressing Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis
The letter’s signatories voiced “grave concern over the high number of civilian casualties and humanitarian situation in Gaza,” and pledged efforts towards planning for the “day after” which would ensure the region’s reconstruction, Hamas disarmament, and its exclusion from Palestinian governance.
The UK has announced that it would recognize Palestine if Israel did not take certain measures.
Last Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that France would officially recognize Palestine at the forthcoming UN General Assembly in September. On Tuesday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the United Kingdom would likewise recognize Palestine unless Israel addressed specific issues.
Belgium’s Position Remains Uncertain
Belgium’s decision on the matter has been postponed until early September, according to the office of Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. The ruling coalition remains divided, with opposition parties applying pressure to support Macron’s initiative.
Recent developments include the Dutch House of Representatives voting to suspend its recess to debate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Similar appeals have been made by political factions Groen and Ecolo in Belgium.
