The French government has formally recognised a Palestinian state, joining the list of nations that have taken the crucial step.
The time has come to free the 48 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza and to stop the bombing, massacres and displacement in the embattled enclave, French President Emmanual Macron told delegates in the UN General Assembly Hall on Monday.
He was speaking at the resumption of the international conference co-chaired with Saudi Arabia focused on the question of Palestine and the two-State solution with Israel.
“The time for peace has come because we’re just a few moments away from no longer being able to seize peace,” he said.
“The recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people takes nothing away from the rights of the people of Israel who France supported from Day One and to the respect of which it is staunchly committed,” French President Emmanuel Macron said while speaking at the UN in New York.
“This is why we’re so convinced that this recognition is the only solution that will allow for Israel to live in peace,” he said.
The UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognised a Palestinian State on Sunday.
More support needed
The meeting follows the General Assembly’s resolution overwhelming endorsement of the outcome declaration from the first phase of the conference, which took place in July at UN Headquarters.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud thanked those countries that have recognized the State of Palestine or announced their intention to do so.
“We call on all other countries to take a similar historic step that will have a great impact on supporting the efforts towards the implementation of the two-State solution, achieve permanent and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, and find a new reality whereby the region can enjoy peace, stability and prosperity,” he said.
Guterres reiterates ceasefire appeal
In his remarks, UN Secretary-General António Guterres repeated his assertion that nothing can justify the horrific 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel nor the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
He again called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and safe, unconditional and unhindered humanitarian access – which must all happen immediately.
The UN chief added that nothing can excuse developments in the West Bank that pose an existential threat to a two-State solution and called for an end to “relentless” settlement expansion, “the creeping threat of annexation” and intensifying settler violence.
