Alongside Australia, nine other countries have formally recognised a Palestine state at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, including France, Belgium, Monaco, Luxembourg, Malta, Britain, Canada and Portugal.
France and Saudi Arab are the co-hosts of the summit. French President Emmanuel Macron takes the first step and declares that “the time has come” and “nothing justifies the ongoing war in Gaza”.
“This is why, true to the historic commitment of my country to the Middle East, to peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians,” he said. “This is why I declare that today, France recognises the state of Palestine.”
Saudi Arab Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan encourages for other nations to “take a similar historic step that will have a great impact on supporting the efforts towards implementation of the two-state solution.”
After France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood, other European countries have followed suit. Canada, Australia and Portugal later joined other nations, making similar proclamations.
In the press conference yesterday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for ceasefire and urged the Israeli government to “accept its share of responsibility”.
“We must break this cycle of violence and build something better,” he added. “In recognising Palestine, Australia recognises the legitimate and long held aspirations of the Palestinian people.”
Ireland’s Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affarir Simon Harris has welcomed the decision announced by Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
“Their announcement today means there are now over 150 countries, including Ireland which took the decision to do so last year, who recognise Palestinian statehood,” he posted on X.
However, speaking to reporters ahead of the summit, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon confirms that the United States and Israel “will not participate in this charade”.
“Israel is committed to continue this war until we bring back all the hostages and until Hamas is out of the game completely,” he said. “Now we are focused on bringing the hostages. We are focused on eliminating Hamas.”
Ambassador Danon also expressed disappointment towards President Macron’s decision.
“On October 8th, you stood with Israel. You spoke about the hostages. Today you’re moving on. You’re trying to leave the hostages behind. We will not forget them. This war will not end with hostages still in Gaza,” he said.
Photo: Protesters holding posters during their rally by TIMO found HERE and used under a Creative Commons licence. The image has not been modified.
