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Emanuel Macron |
The president of France, Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced his country has formally recognised the State of Palestine, joining a growing list of countries pushing for a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Speaking at the United Nations in New York, Macron declared that the time had come to end the war in Gaza, free the remaining hostages and chart a path to lasting peace.
“Nothing justifies the ongoing war,” he said, stressing that “everything compels us to bring it to a definitive end.”
Macron condemned the October 7 Hamas attacks but insisted that peace could only be secured through the coexistence of two states.
The French leader also raised the possibility of an international security presence in Gaza, saying France was prepared to contribute to a “stabilisation mission.”
However, he made clear that Paris would only open an embassy to a Palestinian state once all hostages have been released and a ceasefire agreement is in place.
Macron highlighted that several countries had already “opted for peace” by recognising Palestinian statehood, including the UK, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Andorra and San Marino.
He added that Spain, Ireland, Norway and Sweden were also moving in the same direction.
“Giving Palestinians rights does not take away from the rights of Israelis,” Macron said, calling recognition a responsible and necessary choice.