France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and Monaco recognize Palestinian state; U.S., Israel boycott UNGA event
At the U.N. General Assembly in New York, France formally recognized the State of Palestine and was joined by Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and Monaco at a France–Saudi‑hosted two‑state conference, where U.N. chief António Guterres said Palestinian statehood is a right and Mahmoud Abbas addressed by video after the U.S. denied him a visa. President Emmanuel Macron framed recognition as a step to isolate and disarm Hamas, outlined a phased plan and proposed a U.N.‑mandated security force for Gaza, while Israel and the U.S. boycotted the event—Israel calling it a “charade” and warning of consequences for countries recognizing Palestine.
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📰 Sources (7)
What you will and won't see at this year's UN General Assembly
New information:
- Malta and Monaco announced or confirmed recognition of a Palestinian state at the France–Saudi‑chaired UNGA‑week meeting.
- The U.S. and Israel boycotted the recognition conference.
- Germany, Italy, and Japan participated in the meeting but did not recognize a Palestinian state.
Spain's top diplomat dismisses Israeli leader's vow of no Palestinian state, saying it will happen
New information:
- Belgium and Luxembourg also recognized a Palestinian state at UNGA, per AP.
- Spain’s FM publicly forecasts eventual universal recognition and rejects Netanyahu’s claim there will never be a Palestinian state.
Israel calls UN push for Palestine statehood a ‘charade,’ warns of ‘consequences’ for recognition moves
New information:
- Israel will boycott the U.N. General Assembly session on implementing a two‑state solution; Ambassador Danny Danon calls it a 'charade.'
- Danon says the U.S. will also boycott the session and that Israel is coordinating its response with Washington.
- Israel warns there will be 'consequences' for countries recognizing a Palestinian state; Danon does not rule out extending Israeli rule to parts of the West Bank, with decisions expected after Netanyahu meets President Trump on Sept. 29.
France is the latest country to formally recognize State of Palestine
New information:
- Macron’s UNGA speech included the formal recognition and a warning that Netanyahu’s policies risk unraveling the Abraham Accords and Camp David Accords.
- France and Saudi Arabia co‑organized a two‑state conference with leaders/diplomats from 140+ countries; the U.S. and Israel boycotted.
- Macron proposed a UN Security Council–mandated security force to establish a monopoly over security in Gaza and to disarm Hamas, alongside a transitional administration involving the Palestinian Authority.
- Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, unable to attend due to a U.S. visa revocation, delivered a video address welcoming France’s move, calling for an immediate end to the war and hostage releases, and saying Hamas should have no role in Gaza and must hand over all weapons to the PA.
- Macron framed recognition as a ‘defeat for Hamas’ and said Hamas must be dismantled militarily and politically.
France recognizes Palestinian statehood ahead of UN General Assembly
New information:
- France formally recognized the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly, announced by President Emmanuel Macron and greeted with applause from leaders and the Palestinian delegation.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres said 'statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward,' pushing back on Israel’s framing.
- Mahmoud Abbas will address the UN meeting by video after the U.S. denied him a visa to attend in person.
- The article notes recent recognitions by the U.K., Canada, Australia and Portugal, with Palestinians expecting a total of about 10 countries to recognize in coming days.
- Macron’s declaration occurred before speeches by several world leaders at a high-profile UN meeting focused on reviving a two-state solution.
Transcript: French President Emmanuel Macron on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Sept. 21, 2025
New information:
- Macron says France will formally announce recognition of a Palestinian state on Sept. 22 at the U.N. General Assembly.
- He specifies that while recognition proceeds, the release of hostages is a condition before France would open an embassy.
- Macron outlines a three-phase plan: immediate cease-fire/hostage releases/humanitarian stabilization; day-after governance, security and reconstruction for Gaza; and a longer-term two-state perspective.
- He argues recognition is intended to isolate and disarm Hamas, citing the 'New York Declaration' backed by 142 countries and regional engagement.
- Responding to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s 'reckless' criticism, Macron says the move addresses Palestinian political legitimacy rather than Hamas’ demands.
- He asserts Israel has had 'security results' against militant leaders but characterizes efforts 'in terms of fighting against Hamas' as a present failure.
Macron: Recognition of Palestinian state necessary to combat Hamas
New information:
- Macron told CBS he will formalize France’s recognition at UNGA in New York next week
- He said recognition is a 'precondition' to isolate Hamas and stop the war
- He pushed back on Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s 'reckless' label and noted other allies (U.K., Canada) plan recognition