Saturday, May 24, 2025

France Pushes Coordinated Recognition of Palestinian State Ahead of UN Summit


France Pushes Coordinated Recognition of Palestinian State Ahead of UN Summit
Emmitt Barry


France is intensifying efforts to rally Western nations behind a coordinated recognition of a Palestinian state. It aims to make a joint announcement during a high-profile peace summit at the United Nations on June 17.

French President Emmanuel Macron, partnering with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is organizing the event with hopes of securing backing from countries like Belgium, Portugal, and Luxembourg.

A senior Israeli official accused Macron of fostering “an anti-Israel atmosphere” to pressure other nations into recognizing Palestinian statehood. In response, Israel has launched a counter-diplomatic campaign, with Ambassador Danny Danon working closely with the U.S. to block the initiative.

Tensions are mounting ahead of a UN Security Council session on May 28, where European states are expected to call for an end to the war in Gaza and demand immediate humanitarian access. Some EU members are also pushing to suspend Israel’s trade partnership with the bloc, with Dutch media reporting support from at least 17 countries.

European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas confirmed ongoing debates over sanctions against Israeli officials and settlers, though consensus remains elusive. Meanwhile, the U.K. has frozen trade talks with Israel and summoned the Israeli ambassador in protest over Gaza-related policies.

An Israeli Foreign Ministry official warned of an escalating diplomatic crisis. “This is the worst situation we’ve ever faced,” the official told YNet News, citing growing global frustration over the Gaza conflict and Israel’s lack of a post-war strategy.

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