In a landmark declaration, French President Emmanuel Macron formally recognized Palestine as a state during the opening of a crucial conference at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Macron emphasized that “the time has come” for this recognition, stating that it offers “a solution to break the cycle of war and destruction” between Israel and the Palestinian people. His announcement signifies France’s alignment with nearly 150 other countries that already acknowledge Palestine as a sovereign nation, underscoring the legitimacy, humanity, and dignity of the Palestinian people.
France’s decision was part of a wave of formal recognitions expected or already completed by approximately ten countries on Monday, including Belgium, following similar moves by Australia, Britain, Canada, and Portugal on Sunday. These highly symbolic actions are designed to revive the fading hope for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This comes as the devastating war in the Gaza Strip approaches its second year, Israel continues to expand settlements in the West Bank, and the humanitarian crisis in the enclave intensifies.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres echoed the sentiment, asserting, “we absolutely must do everything and mobilize as much as we can the international community to make sure that the two-state solution prevails.” He questioned, “What is the alternative?” However, in practical terms, this recognition is unlikely to immediately alter the grim reality on the ground or grant Palestine full U.N. membership, a step that would require approval from the U.N. Security Council, where the United States would likely exercise its veto power.
Diplomats from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia believe this conference highlights a broader international consensus and increasingly isolates the United States, as several of its key Western allies deviate from Washington’s long-standing policy. Richard Gowan, U.N. director for the International Crisis Group, noted that such a move “does underline that there is still some potential pathway to a diplomatic solution for the Palestinians, even if everyone recognizes that it is an extremely long pathway.”
Both the United States and Israel oppose these recognitions, arguing that such actions could empower Hamas, especially while Israel continues its conflict with the militant group in Gaza and many hostages from the October 7, 2023, attacks remain captive. Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, dismissed the initiative as “one-sided” and merely “theater.”
Prior to the conference, the General Assembly overwhelmingly ratified the “New York Declaration” with 142 votes in favor. This document, proposed by France and Saudi Arabia, advocates for the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, outlining “tangible, time-bound and irreversible steps” toward a two-state solution. It also condemns the 2023 Hamas-led attacks, Israel’s military actions against civilians and infrastructure in Gaza, and the worsening humanitarian crisis there.
Key aspects of the conference:
- Key speakers: The three-hour conference in the U.N. General Assembly hall featured speeches from President Macron, Secretary-General Guterres, and representatives from various countries. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia addressed the gathering virtually.
- Palestinian presence: Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, spoke virtually from Ramallah, as the United States denied visas to him and his delegation.
- A new approach to peace: This conference challenges decades of failed diplomatic efforts by prioritizing the recognition of a Palestinian state as a starting point for peace negotiations, rather than the final stage.
- Protests: Public sentiment ran high globally, with tens of thousands of Italians protesting in solidarity with Palestinians. In France, over 50 town halls defied government warnings by raising Palestinian flags, hours before Macron’s formal announcement.
See Which Countries Recognize a Palestinian State
Whether or not a Palestinian state is formally recognized, the path to a two-state solution appears more distant than ever.
France, Britain, and other nations recognizing Palestine aim to preserve the hope for a two-state solution: a Jewish state of Israel existing peacefully alongside a Palestinian one. However, nearly two years into the devastating Gaza war, both Israelis and Palestinians feel this possibility is increasingly remote.
Israel’s military campaign has ravaged Gaza, while settlements in the West Bank continue to expand. Opinion polls indicate that Hamas still enjoys more support among Palestinians than the more moderate Palestinian Authority leadership in the West Bank. Many Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outright reject the notion of Palestinian independence. Netanyahu stated on Sunday, “There will be no Palestinian state west of the Jordan River. For years, I have prevented the establishment of this terrorist state facing tremendous pressures at home and abroad.”
The partition of territory between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea has long been a proposed solution, forming the basis of numerous peace talks and U.N. resolutions. Most proposals envision a Palestinian state in the territories Israel occupied in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war—the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Palestinian-majority areas of Jerusalem—with Israel maintaining its internationally recognized borders. Critics on both sides question the fairness and viability of this approach, with many demanding full control of the entire land, while a small minority advocates for a single, democratic state with equal rights for all.
Peace negotiations in the 1990s and 2000s aimed at an independent Palestinian state, leading to the creation of the Palestinian Authority. However, these talks collapsed in the early 2000s amidst escalating Palestinian militant attacks and Israeli crackdowns. Serious negotiations last occurred during the Obama administration, led by the same figures in charge today: Netanyahu and Mahmoud Abbas.
The peace process has been stalled for a decade. The Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, ignited the Gaza war, plunging the region into one of its deadliest periods. As Israel devastates Gaza, the Israeli right has accelerated settlement expansion in the West Bank, where about 500,000 Jewish settlers live alongside three million Palestinians. Settler leaders hope to prevent a Palestinian state by solidifying their presence. In 2025 alone, Israel advanced plans for over 20,000 new housing units in settlements.
Proponents of a two-state solution argue it would end Israel’s occupation, alleviating the harsh conditions faced by Palestinians under checkpoints and raids. It would also benefit Israelis by preserving Israel’s Jewish-majority democracy and breaking the cycle of violence. However, many Israelis are skeptical that a Palestinian state would end the conflict, often citing the 2023 attack as proof that territorial withdrawal invites further aggression. They blame Palestinian leaders for past failures, while Palestinians blame Israel’s lack of commitment to compromise. Israeli leaders now openly declare they will never permit a Palestinian state.
The Palestinian Authority’s president, Mahmoud Abbas, appeared on a large screen in the General Assembly hall, delivering his speech via video link from Ramallah. His in-person attendance was blocked due to the United States denying visas to him and his delegation. Abbas called for an immediate and lasting cease-fire in Gaza, demanding the release of all hostages and prisoners—referring to those captured by Hamas and Palestinians in Israeli jails.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the Assembly, stating that Palestinian statehood is a fundamental right, not a concession. He warned that “Denying statehood would be a gift to extremists everywhere,” emphasizing that “Without two states, there will be no peace in the Middle East, and radicalism will spread around.”
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, speaking on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, praised the “historic step” of recognizing Palestinian statehood, expressing hope for “a new reality whereby the region can enjoy peace, prosperity and stability.”
Macron further announced that Andorra, Malta, Luxembourg, Belgium, Monaco, and San Marino would join France in recognizing Palestinian statehood on Monday. He characterized these decisions as “the responsible choice” that would “pave the way for useful negotiations” for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Under French custom and law, President Macron’s announcement was all that was needed for France to formally recognize a Palestinian state; no parliamentary vote was required.
France’s recognition follows efforts by Macron to persuade Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that recognizing a Palestinian state is not a reward for Hamas or a catalyst for antisemitism. Macron notably began his speech by condemning the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, calling for the release of remaining hostages and an end to antisemitism.
The day after Canada recognized Palestine, Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his hope for policy alignment with the United States, stating, “We would hope that there would be convergence with the United States… And we will certainly support leadership of the United States that’s leading to outcomes that are consistent with our values.”
President Emmanuel Macron arrived at the U.N. General Assembly hall, engaging in the traditional French “bise” with other world leaders, accompanied by his Middle Eastern adviser, Anne-Claire Legendre.
Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, labeled the Palestinian statehood conference a “theater.” Speaking to reporters before the meeting, he asserted that while a two-state solution was debatable before the Gaza war, “after October 7, it’s off the table.” Danon questioned the practicality of a Palestinian state without Hamas, vowing that Israel would continue fighting until “Hamas is out of the game completely.” He concluded, “That will be the time that we can speak about the future. Not before.” When asked about potential Israeli responses to the international recognitions, such as annexing more occupied territories, Danon declined specifics, stating it would be “a discussion for the government.”
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky urged leaders at the U.N. General Assembly to exert “real, powerful pressure on Russia” to end the war, highlighting ongoing Russian strikes across Ukraine. His message came as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced President Trump would meet with Zelensky. Zelensky noted that this is the fourth consecutive year Russia has coincided high-level diplomatic events with killings, advocating for strong sanctions and accountability for Russia’s aggression.
Leavitt also outlined President Trump’s agenda at the UN, which includes a major speech on “the renewal of American strength around the world” and his “straightforward and constructive vision for the world.” He is set to hold bilateral meetings with the U.N. secretary-general and leaders from Argentina and the European Union, as well as a multilateral meeting with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.
More than 50 town halls across France defied a government warning by raising Palestinian flags, hours before President Emmanuel Macron formally recognized a Palestinian state at the United Nations. This symbolic act, involving 86 of France’s nearly 35,000 municipalities, was opposed by the interior minister for breaching neutrality rules and risking public disturbances. However, left-leaning mayors in cities like Rennes, Nantes, and Lyon, along with several Paris suburbs, proceeded. Olivier Faure, head of the Socialist Party, stated that hoisting the flag was a way to signal France’s support for Palestinian self-determination, not endorsement of Hamas. Macron’s decision has created division in France, home to large Jewish and Muslim communities. Some cities, like Saint-Ouen, flew both Israeli and Palestinian flags. On Sunday evening, the Eiffel Tower was illuminated with Palestinian and Israeli flags alongside a dove with an olive branch.
The very definition of statehood for Palestinians remains complex, with undefined borders and fragmented leadership. International law, specifically the 1933 Montevideo Convention, defines statehood by four criteria: a permanent population, defined territorial boundaries, a government, and the capacity to conduct international affairs. Experts like Zinaida Miller of Northeastern University note that these criteria are broadly met for Palestine, even with disputed elements. While borders are contested, they are generally understood to encompass Israeli-occupied territories like the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. The Palestinian Authority functions as a government, representing Palestinians internationally through the Palestine Liberation Organization. Foreign recognition would facilitate direct diplomatic ties and send a strong political message acknowledging Palestinian self-determination and rejecting actions that undermine it.
U.N. General Assembly: What to Watch This Week
The 80th U.N. General Assembly kicks off its high-level segment, bringing over 140 world leaders and officials to New York to tackle global challenges amidst raging wars and internal budget crises. The main event, the General Debate, begins Tuesday, with representatives from each member state addressing various issues.
Beyond the main debate, key events include:
- On Monday, Palestinian statehood took center stage at a conference hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. Australia, Britain, Canada, and Portugal formally recognized Palestinian statehood on Sunday, with France following suit. The Security Council is also expected to hold an emergency meeting on recent Russian fighter jet incursions into Estonian airspace.
- On Tuesday, the Security Council will discuss the war in Gaza and the Middle East’s security situation (1 p.m. ET), and later, the war in Ukraine (4 p.m. ET).
- On Wednesday, leaders will convene for a climate summit to present commitments and solutions for climate change.
- On Thursday, discussions will focus on artificial intelligence.
The gathering also provides opportunities for bilateral meetings. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed interest in meeting President Trump. The Russian foreign minister may also meet his U.S. counterpart amidst ongoing efforts to slow the war in Ukraine.
Day-by-day speakers to watch:
Tuesday, Sept. 23
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will open the member state comments, a long-standing tradition. This follows the sentencing of former President Jair Bolsonaro to over 27 years in prison for a coup plot. Lula has vowed not to yield to U.S. pressure, despite Trump’s calls to drop charges. President Trump will speak next for the United States, possibly addressing the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, immigration, and tariffs. The Assembly will also hear from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and leaders from Jordan, Qatar, and Egypt, following an Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas officials in Qatar. France’s Emmanuel Macron will speak about his diplomatic push for Palestinian statehood. Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki will address concerns about Russian drone incursions. Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, will also speak, facing U.S. pressure on trade and drug cartels.
Wednesday, Sept. 24
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to speak, likely on Russia’s invasion. Despite cautious optimism after meeting Trump in August, a meeting with President Vladimir V. Putin remains elusive amid stepped-up Russian drone attacks. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian will attend, according to his political adviser, following a war with Israel that dealt a heavy blow to his country’s military. Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Shara, is expected to make his U.N. debut after leading a rebel alliance that ousted Bashar al-Assad.
Thursday, Sept. 25
The Trump administration denied visas to Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, and his delegation. However, the General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to allow Palestinian representatives to participate virtually, including a prerecorded statement from Abbas. Israel’s Gaza City operation has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leading to widespread hunger. Prime Minister Kamil Idris of Sudan is also expected to speak amidst his country’s ongoing civil war.
Friday, Sept. 26
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel will open speeches, facing a rift with his military over Gaza strategy and increasing international isolation. He will be followed by Premier Li Qiang of China, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain, and India’s external affairs minister, S. Jaishankar. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ties with Trump have frayed recently. A representative from Nepal may speak after recent violent protests led to a change in government, with Sushila Karki becoming interim prime minister.
Saturday, Sept. 27
Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada is scheduled to speak. He has met with Mexico’s President Sheinbaum to create an “action plan” to counter Trump’s tariffs. Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, will also deliver remarks, with the Kremlin insisting on “security guarantees” before laying down arms in Ukraine. Venezuela’s foreign minister, Yvan Gil, will address the Assembly amid a U.S. naval buildup off Venezuela’s coast, intensified U.S. anti-drug cartel efforts, and accusations from President Nicolás Maduro that the U.S. seeks to destabilize his government.
Monday, Sept. 29
The week concludes with remarks from representatives of Afghanistan, where the Taliban regained power four years ago, and South Sudan. It remains unclear who will represent these nations.