France, the UK, and Other Western Nations Recognize the State of Palestine 

France formally recognized the state of Palestine on Monday, a day after the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal did so, in a major policy shift that supporters say could reenergize a two-state track even as critics warn it rewards Hamas and deepens a rift with Israel, the BBC reported.  

On Monday, Paris announced the recognition at the United Nations in New York, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying “the time for peace has come” and that “nothing justifies the ongoing war in Gaza.” 

France’s decision, along with that of the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, is a historical shift that reverses decades of full support of Israel and breaks sharply with the United States, analysts said.  

Meanwhile, other European states say they are considering such a move. 

The recognition reflects mounting international alarm over Israel’s 23-month war in Gaza, which has left more than 65,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza health officials, and has pushed parts of the territory into famine.  

After months of mass pro-Palestinian protests in the UK, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said recognition was needed to move from “intolerable” destruction in Gaza toward “a viable Palestinian state,” insisting it was “not a reward for Hamas,” according to the Washington Post.  

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also framed the step as a “categorical rejection” of Hamas. 

In a Sunday interview, Macron also spoke about a phased plan that would isolate Hamas: The proposal would involve an immediate ceasefire and release of hostages in Gaza, followed by stabilization and reconstruction in the territory, and finally “the perspective of two states.” 

Other European countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, and Malta, are expected to join the wave of recognitions, a move that also highlights the European Union’s growing disapproval of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Last week, European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen called for an end to “the horrific events taking place in Gaza on a daily basis.”  

More than 140 countries already recognize Palestinian statehood, and the UN granted the governing Palestinian Authority non-member observer status in 2012. 

Still, Germany and Italy, as well as other EU states such as Hungary are not on board.  

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Monday that recognition “comes more at the end of the process,” though “this process must begin now.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration – a steadfast backer of Israel – has ruled out recognizing a Palestinian state. 

Despite the Italian government’s stance, tens of thousands of protestors marched in dozens of Italian cities Monday, while strikes brought trains and highway transport to a halt after unions called a nationwide walkout in support of Palestinians in Gaza and in protest of Israel’s Gaza City offensive. Italian dockworkers also blocked access roads to ports in Genoa, Livorno, and Trieste, Reuters added. The protesters want the Italian government to suspend commercial and military cooperation agreements with Israel, and to protect a flotilla of 60 boats crossing the Mediterranean carrying aid to Gaza. 

Meanwhile, Israel reacted sharply to the recognitions, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting Sunday that there would be “no Palestinian state,” adding that those recognizing it are rewarding Hamas and its allies for their assault on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, an attack that triggered the war. 

That attack saw around 1,200 people killed and more than 250 others taken hostage. 

Far-right ministers in Netanyahu’s cabinet also escalated calls to annex the occupied West Bank, wrote the Financial Times. 

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said “the days when the UK and other countries determined our future are over,” while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged the “complete dismantling” of the Palestinian Authority.  

Israeli officials have discussed plans to annex parts of the West Bank, despite international criticism. 

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK has been “clear” Israel “must not do that,” while the United Arab Emirates – which has normalized ties with Israel – has warned annexation is a “red line,” and threatened to upend diplomatic relations with Israel.  

Analysts noted that, for Palestinians, recognition clarifies their struggle as one of sovereignty. Still, they stressed that the impact may remain largely symbolic.  

Full statehood will also depend on a vote in the UN Security Council, where the US plans to veto such proposals. 

Others noted that without concrete follow-ups to pressure Israel – such as limiting arm sales or restricting trade – the recognition may deepen Israel’s isolation while doing little to alter realities on the ground.