"In line with France's historical commitment to the Middle East and to peace between Israel and Palestine, I declare that France officially recognizes the State of Palestine," French President Emmanuel Macron said on 22/9 at a summit on the two-state solution convened by France and Saudi Arabia at the United Nations.

President Macron affirmed France's continued support for Israel. He stated that recognizing the State of Palestine is "the only solution that will allow Israel to live in peace" and described the move as "a setback for Hamas".

The French president noted that France would not open an embassy for the State of Palestine in Paris until a ceasefire in Gaza is reached and all hostages held by Hamas are released.

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at a summit on Palestine at the United Nations headquarters in New York, USA, on 22/9. Photo: AFP

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at a summit on Palestine at the United Nations headquarters in New York, USA, on 22/9. Photo: AFP

Following France, leaders of other European nations such as Belgium, Malta, Monaco, and Luxembourg also announced their recognition of the State of Palestine.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said Brussels wanted to send a strong diplomatic and political signal to the world. He added that Belgium would only proceed with the related legal process "when all hostages are released and armed groups like Hamas are not involved in the Palestinian leadership".

Malta and Monaco both affirmed their support for the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the recognition from these countries and called on others to follow suit.

"We hope to receive support for Palestine to become a full member of the United Nations," Abbas said in a video address.

The US and Israel did not participate in the summit. The US is the only permanent member of the UN Security Council that has not recognized the State of Palestine.

Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said Tel Aviv would discuss how to respond when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returns next week. The Israeli prime minister is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump on 29/9.

The summit on Palestine at the United Nations headquarters in New York, USA, on 22/9. Photo: AFP

The summit on Palestine at the United Nations headquarters in New York, USA, on 22/9. Photo: AFP

Over 150 countries worldwide have recognized the State of Palestine. The UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal made similar moves on 21/9 to promote peace and express support for the two-state solution. Analysts assess that these developments are unlikely to change the situation on the ground but will still significantly improve the State of Palestine's standing in its efforts to become a truly sovereign nation.

The two-state solution is the concept of establishing two states with separate territories, one for Israelis and one for Palestinians. This concept emerged before the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, which marked the end of the British Mandate for Palestine. However, violence and war in the following decades hampered these efforts.

Nhu Tam (AFP, Reuters, CNN)