France recognises Palestinian state

By Steve UMIDHA

The United Nations General Assembly has formally recognized the State of Palestine, becoming the latest in a wave of countries to take the step, joined by the United Kingdom, Australia, Luxembourg, Belgium, Portugal, Malta, and Canada.

The Paris Peace Forum applauded the landmark step, led by France under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron, as a decisive moment for the realization of a two-state solution.

This breakthrough is the direct continuation of the Paris Call for the Two-State Solution, launched on June 13 at a historic civil society conference convened by the Forum. That gathering, the first of its kind since the attacks of October 7, brought together 300 Israeli and Palestinian leaders and 200 regional and international personalities.

It produced the Call, which urged immediate recognition of Palestine, a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and humanitarian access to Gaza. The Call was formally handed to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and presented to President Macron at the Élysée Palace, in front of hundreds of activists.

By acting decisively and rallying other partners to follow, France has shown the courage and clarity of vision required to break political deadlock and give substance to the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

President Macron’s leadership has been instrumental in carrying the voice of civil society from Paris to the United Nations, turning dialogue into concrete diplomatic action.

“This recognition is not only a courageous and historic step by France, the UK, Australia, Luxembourg, Belgium, Portugal, Malta, and Canada. It is also proof that civil society voices matter,” said Justin Vaïsse, Founder and Director General of the Paris Peace Forum.

“We salute President Macron’s leadership and thank him for answering our collective Call. When Israelis, Palestinians, and international actors came together in Paris on June 13, they showed the world that dialogue and cooperation remain possible. Today, their appeal has been answered on the floor of the United Nations.”

The Paris Peace Forum and ALLMEP additionally co-facilitated a civil society gathering for Israelis and Palestinians at the French Permanent Representation to the United Nations in New York on the occasion of France’s recognition of Palestine, and with the aim of ensuring dialogue continues between peacebuilders on both sides.

This event was attended by French President Macron, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, members of the French National Assembly, as well as representatives of NGOs, the families of hostages, and doctors with experience of the situation on the ground in Gaza.

The humanitarian situation on the ground has not changed: we still need to see an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the return of all hostages, and the resumption of humanitarian aid commensurate with the needs of civil society.

The Paris Peace Forum will continue to amplify civil society voices and support political momentum toward peace. Its 8th edition, on October 29–30 in Paris, will focus on “New Coalitions for Peace, People and the Planet.” It will be a further opportunity to advance practical measures such as the proposed International Fund for Peace, aimed at empowering peacemakers on the ground.