France and 14 Countries Call for Palestinian Recognition at the UN
Led by France, a coalition including Australia, Canada, and Spain urges the UN to recognize Palestine as a state, highlighting the urgent need for a two-state solution and humanitarian relief.
France, joined by 14 Western countries such as Australia, Canada, and Spain, has called on the United Nations General Assembly to recognize Palestine as a state in September. In a joint letter issued by their foreign ministers, the group emphasized the significance of uniting the Gaza Strip and West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, underscoring the importance of a political solution based on coexistence.
The letter stressed a strong commitment to a two-state solution and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all Hamas hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian aid into the region. Several signatories, including Finland, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Norway, have already recognized Palestine, lending additional weight to the coalition’s appeal for international support.
Belgium is expected to make its decision at the start of September, with ongoing debates among political parties preventing an immediate consensus. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has stated that it would recognize Palestine if Israel fails to take specific steps. The letter also highlighted deep concerns over the ongoing humanitarian crisis and civilian casualties in the conflict-ridden region.
