France and 14 other countries call for recognition of Palestine
France and 14 other Western countries have called for Palestine to be recognised as a state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, in a letter published on Wednesday.
The foreign affairs ministers of countries including Australia, Canada and Spain stressed "the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority" in the letter.
Shared by French Foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot on X, the letter expressed the countries' "unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-State solution". It also called for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all Hamas hostages, and unhindered humanitarian access.
The letter was also signed by Andorra, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino and Slovenia. All co-signing countries have already recognised Palestine or have expressed a willingness to do so.
The signatories expressed their "grave concern over the high number of civilian casualties and humanitarian situation in Gaza", as well as their determination to work towards a plan for the "day after" in Gaza, which would guarantee the reconstruction of the region, the disarmament of Hamas, and the group's exclusion from Palestinian governance.
Last Thursday, French president Emmanuel Macron announced that France would officially recognise Palestine at the UN assembly in September. On Tuesday, British prime minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK would recognise Palestine if Israel did not take certain measures.
Belgium has delayed any decision on the matter until early September, the office of Foreign minister Maxime Prévot said last week. The country's five governing parties are divided on the issue, with opposition parties increasing pressure to join Macron's initiative.
On Tuesday, the Dutch House of Representatives voted to suspend its recess in order to hold a committee debate on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. A similar request has been submitted by parties Groen and Ecolo in Belgium.
A demonstration in support of Gaza in Toulouse, France, on 28 July 2025 © PHOTO HANS LUCAS COLLECTION
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