France Admits Palestinian State Status, President Macron: Time Has Arrived

French President Emmanuel Macron. (Instagram/emmanuelmacron)

French President Emmanuel Macron insists Palestinian state status is a right, not a gift, without which there will be no peace in the region, asserting that the two-state solution is the only way out of conflict.

Speaking at the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, the series of High Level Week of the United Nations 80th General Assembly Session at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States, Monday, September 22 local time, President Macron invited all countries to use their power to realize a two-state solution.

"Israel and Palestine live side by side peacefully and safely," President Macron said in a speech, quoted from UN Web TV, Tuesday, September 23.

"The time has come. This is our country's historic commitment to the Middle East, for peace between Israel and Palestine," he continued.

"Today I declare France recognizes the Palestinian State," said President Macron, who was greeted by a standing opportunity throughout the room.

According to President Macron, the recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people "does not reduce the rights of the Israeli people, which were supported by France from the start," as quoted by CNN.

The French announcement came after Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal declared recognition at the weekend, bringing the total number of UN member states that have taken this step to 153 of the 193 United Nations member states.

Malta, Belgium, Luxembourg, Andorra, and San Marino are expected to express their support with France on Monday as anger grows over Israel's actions in the war.

However, this move is largely symbolic without support from the United States, which has veto rights to membership and does not attend Monday's summit.

The summit, jointly organized by France and Saudi Arabia, aims to intensify efforts to revive the two-state solution and provide a path to peace.