French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday formally recognized a Palestinian state during a UN summit co-hosted with Saudi Arabia, urging an end to the Gaza war and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Australia, Britain, Canada, and Portugal also announced recognition, despite strong objections from Israel and U.S. opposition.
Israel denounced the move as rewarding Hamas, with officials warning of retaliation and far-right ministers calling for annexation of the West Bank. Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed his rejection of a Palestinian state and vowed to expand settlements.
The U.S. and Germany refused to follow France, insisting only negotiations can achieve a two-state solution. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas was denied a U.S. visa to attend in person, participating virtually instead.
The summit comes amid mounting civilian casualties: Israel reports 1,219 deaths from Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, while the UN cites over 65,000 Palestinians killed by Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Critics warned recognition would remain symbolic without concrete measures to stop the ongoing destruction.
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