New york: French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday his country’s official recognition of a Palestinian state. During the conference on settling the Palestinian issue through peaceful means and implementing the two-state solution in New York, he said, “In fulfillment of my country’s historical commitment to the Middle East, I announce France’s recognition of the State of Palestine.” He added that France’s recognition of the Palestinian state is confirmation that the Palestinian people are not superfluous.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Macron emphasized the urgency of recognizing the Palestinian state, stating, “We can no longer wait to recognize the Palestinian state.” He continued, “The time for peace has come, because we are moments away from losing the ability to secure peace.” Macron highlighted the importance of the gathering, stating, “That is why we have gathered here today.”

He further explained that “the promise of establishing an Arab state in Palestine has not yet been fulfilled,” holding everyone accountable for the current situation and the failure to establish a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Macron pointed out that “Israel continues its operations in Gaza with the declared goal of destroying Hamas, but the lives of thousands of Gazans continue to be destroyed,” urging for an end to the conflict. “There is no justification for what is happening in Gaza, and the war must end to save lives,” he stated.