France has recognised the state of Palestine at the start of a high-profile United Nations gathering aimed at galvanising support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the move in the General Assembly hall, drawing loud applause from more than 140 world leaders in attendance. The Palestinian delegation, including UN ambassador Riyad Mansour, stood and applauded as the declaration was read. Macron then said: ‘True to the 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 recognises the state of Palestine.’

Several other states are expected to follow in the coming days. The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognised the state on Sunday, with Palestinians hoping as many as ten countries will follow. Around three-quarters of UN members recognise Palestine, though major Western powers had until recently declined, arguing that statehood should come through negotiations.

Analysts say the move is unlikely to alter on-the-ground dynamics, where Israel is carrying out a major offensive in Gaza and expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank. Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, was shown applauding on a live feed after the United States barred him from attending the gathering in person. The Palestinian Authority, led by rivals of Hamas, administers parts of the West Bank, recognises Israel and supports a two-state solution. France and Saudi Arabia have advanced a phased plan in which a reformed Palestinian Authority would eventually govern the West Bank and Gaza with international assistance; the plan was backed by the General Assembly in September. The United Arab Emirates has described unilateral annexation as a red line. Netanyahu has opposed Palestinian statehood and signalled possible unilateral steps, including annexation, and said he would decide on Israel’s response after meeting US President Donald Trump at the White House next week, with the Israeli leader set to address the UN on Friday. The Trump administration opposed growing recognition, arguing it derailed ceasefire talks with Hamas; Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff walked away from talks in July, and earlier this month an Israeli strike targeted Hamas negotiators in Qatar.