France and the UK have formally recognised the State of Palestine, joining a global majority and signalling growing isolation for Israel.
UNITED NATIONS — France and the United Kingdom have formally recognised the State of Palestine, marking a historic shift in Western policy on the decades-long conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the move at the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday, declaring, “Peace is much more demanding, much more difficult than all wars, but the time has come.” His statement drew applause from delegates. Macron’s declaration came a day after UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed Britain’s recognition of Palestinian statehood, making the two European powers the latest to endorse the two-state solution.
Both governments argue that Israel’s ongoing settlement expansion, land seizures, and violence in the West Bank undermine the possibility of a negotiated peace. They insist recognition is necessary to preserve the prospect of a Palestinian state. Critics in Israel, however, say the move rewards Hamas, which the UK, France, and the EU designate as a terrorist organisation.
With more than three-quarters of UN member states and four out of five permanent Security Council members now recognising Palestine, Israel faces growing isolation despite continued support from the United States.
Analysts say this marks a turning point in global diplomacy on the conflict.