Saudi Gazette report

NEW YORK — French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that France has formally recognized the Palestinian state. Speaking at the start of the high-level international conference on the implementation of the two-state solution at the UN General Assembly headquarters in New York, he called for ending the Gaza war immediately, saying that the time has come for two states to live side by side in peace and security.

The summit conference saw the participation of dozens of world leaders. On behalf of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and French President Macron co-chaired the conference.

The recognition of the State of Palestine by France follows Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, which formally recognized the state of Palestine on Sunday. Several more nations are expected to declare their support soon.

Announcing his country’s decision to formally recognize the State of Palestine, Macron told the summit meeting: “The time has come. This is why, true to the historic, historic commitment of my country to the Middle East to peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. This is why I declare that today, France recognizes the state of Palestine.”

Macron affirmed that the recognition of a Palestinian state is the only solution that will allow for Israel to live in peace. “We must do everything within our power to preserve the very possibility of a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. The recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people takes nothing away from the rights of the people of Israel, who France supported from day one,” Macron said.

“France has never wavered, standing by side, by Israel’s side, even when its security was at stake, including when there were Iranian air strikes,” he said. Macron also explained that recognizing the State of Palestine is a defeat for Hamas, stating that the movement has been militarily defeated by the elimination of its leaders.

The French leader thanked other nations who have also recognized a state of Palestine in recent days. “They answered our call issued in July, and took the responsible choice, the necessary choice, the choice to opt for peace. Nothing will be possible unless the Palestinian authorities take full ownership of our renewed ambition so that we can, at last, achieve the two state solution,” he said.

Macron stated that the Palestinian state must be a demilitarized state. "France is ready to support an international mission for stabilization in Gaza, and to train and equip the Palestinian security forces," he said while pointing out that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has committed to implementing reforms and removing Hamas from power in Gaza.

Macron announced that establishing a French embassy in the future Palestinian state will be contingent on the release of all hostages held in Gaza and a ceasefire in the Strip.