France recognises 'State of Palestine' in interest of 'peace'

Macron reiterates Paris will not open an embassy until a ceasefire in Gaza and release of all hostages

President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced France's long-awaited recognition of a Palestinian state, saying he was acting in the interest of peace amid Israeli and US criticism.

"France today recognizes a State of Palestine," Macron told the UN summit as the Palestinian delegation led an ovation, saying he was supporting "peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples."

Read More: UK, Canada,Australia and Portugal formally recognise Palestinian statehood

However, he reiterated that Paris will not open an embassy until a ceasefire in Gaza and release of all hostages.

"I may be able to decide to establish an embassy in the State of Palestine once all the hostages held in Gaza are freed and a ceasefire is in place," Macron told a UN gathering in New York.

'Historic and courageous'

The Palestinian Authority on Monday hailed the formal recognition of a Palestinian state by French President Emmanuel Macron as a "historic and courageous decision".

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomes the recognition of the State of Palestine by the friendly Republic of France, considering it a historic and courageous decision that is consistent with international law and United Nations resolutions and supports ongoing efforts to achieve peace and implement the two-state solution," the PA's foreign ministry in Ramallah said in a statement.

(L/R) France's President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud after Macron concluded his remarks during a United Nations Summit on Palestinians at UN headquarters during the United Nations General Assembly. PHOTO: AFP

Saudi FM urges global recognition of Palestinian state

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called Monday for all countries to follow a slew of Western countries and recognize a Palestinian state.

"We call on all other countries to take a similar historic step that will have a great impact on supporting the efforts towards implementation of the two-state solution," he said at a UN conference.