A growing number of countries, led by France, are moving to formally recognize the State of Palestine during a high-level United Nations summit in New York—drawing sharp condemnation from Israel, which warned that such moves could derail any chance of a peaceful resolution to the Gaza conflict and trigger harsh retaliatory steps, including the possible annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank.
The summit, jointly convened by France and Saudi Arabia, takes place amid intensifying violence in Gaza and the West Bank. Israel continues its air and ground assault on Gaza City, described by Palestinian officials as a campaign of annihilation. The Gaza Health Ministry reports tens of thousands dead or wounded since the war began, while both sides continue to exchange accusations of war crimes.
French officials framed the recognition of Palestine as both symbolic and strategic, reaffirming France’s support for a two-state solution. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the decision was also aimed at isolating Hamas and excluding the group from any future political role in Gaza. President Emmanuel Macron added in a televised interview that recognition, alongside a proposed peace framework, is “a prerequisite” for restoring stability and offering Palestinians a political future.
On the eve of the summit, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal formally recognized the State of Palestine. France and five smaller European nations—Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, and San Marino—are expected to follow. According to AFP, this wave of recognition would bring the total number of UN member states recognizing Palestine to around 147 out of 193.
However, the move remains divisive within Europe. Germany and Italy signaled they would not recognize Palestine without a negotiated political settlement. Berlin reiterated that statehood should come at the conclusion of a diplomatic process. Russia also reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov calling the current phase of the conflict “one of the most dangerous and tragic.”
Israel and the United States boycotted the summit entirely. Israeli UN envoy Danny Danon dismissed it as a “circus,” and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his rejection of Palestinian statehood. Israeli officials said the government is weighing a range of responses, including annexing additional West Bank territory and downgrading diplomatic ties with countries supporting recognition.
Such moves could severely strain Israel’s relations with regional partners. The United Arab Emirates, which normalized ties with Israel under the 2020 Abraham Accords, warned that unilateral annexation would violate the spirit of the agreement. The Biden administration has also cautioned Israel against retaliatory steps targeting France or other allied states.
Palestinian leaders welcomed the surge in diplomatic support. UN envoy Riyad Mansour called it “a historic moment that must be built upon,” describing the recognitions as vital steps toward justice and Palestinian self-determination.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said lasting peace must include “a secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state,” and urged Israel to halt its military operations and release hostages. Scotland’s First Minister praised the UK’s recognition as “long overdue,” calling for stronger international pressure on Israel.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to escalate on the ground. Hamas’s armed wing released a video showing an Israeli hostage who has been held in Gaza for over 700 days, accusing Netanyahu of rejecting a prisoner exchange. The Israeli military said it intercepted a rocket launched from Gaza and confirmed that an officer was seriously wounded in recent fighting. Palestinian factions reported attacks on Israeli tanks, while Gaza’s Health Ministry announced that two major hospitals—the Rantisi Children’s Hospital and the Eye Hospital—have been forced to shut down due to direct strikes and structural damage.
Palestinian health authorities reported 61 deaths and 220 injuries in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll in Gaza to more than 65,000 since October 2023. Aid organizations have warned that Israel’s bombardment of healthcare infrastructure is pushing Gaza’s medical system to the brink, leaving civilians with dwindling access to life-saving treatment.
