Paris (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – France and 14 other nations have issued a joint appeal calling on governments worldwide to support the recognition of a Palestinian state. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the objective is to make global momentum for Palestinian statehood ahead of the UN General Assembly in September.
The announcement follows a United Nations conference in New York focused on revitalising the two-state solution. The foreign ministers of Australia, Spain, France, Canada, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Portugal, Luxembourg, Slovenia, New Zealand, Andorra, and San Marino have signed the joint declaration.
“In New York, together with 14 other countries, France is issuing a collective appeal: we express our desire to recognise the State of Palestine and invite those who have not yet done so to join us,”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot posted on X account after a conference focused on renewing the two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians.
Why did France and 14 nations issue this call?
The statement was issued after a two-day international conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, held at the UN headquarters and co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. The conference concluded with a seven-page declaration that called for a ceasefire in Gaza and outlined a pathway to create a Palestinian state.
The US and Israel boycotted the event. However, 125 countries participated, and the organisers state that their goal now is to obtain formal support for the plan before the current UN General Assembly session concludes in September.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud called on countries to approve the document in the upcoming weeks. He stated that the plan details “tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps” toward peace, starting with ending the war in Gaza.
What are the key proposals in the joint declaration?
The declaration advocates for a political resolution centred on two states, emphasising the economic sustainability of a future Palestinian state and the reconstruction of Gaza. Additionally, it suggests deploying a temporary international stabilisation force in the region.
France and 14 other countries signed a document called the “New York Appeal” to help build momentum before the General Assembly in September. Canada and Portugal also signed it, but they have not yet recognised a Palestinian state.
How have Western countries shifted on Israel-Palestine?
Western countries, particularly in Europe, have grown angrier and more vocal, notably as of 2025, about Israel’s policies and strategies surrounding the conflict with Palestine. Several Western nations, including France, the UK, Germany, Spain, Ireland, Norway, Belgium, and others, specifically condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and condemned the blockade and attacks on civilian areas, describing them as in violation of international law, and even “genocidal” according to some of their officials.
These countries’ leaders have largely moved away from the categories of unconditional support being offered, as did the United States, which appears to support Israel more than the other Western countries.
