Recognition of Palestine a Great Day for Peace, Says France

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated today that the recognition of the State of Palestine, expected to be announced by several countries at the United Nations, represents a great day for peace.

In remarks to the TF1 network, the outgoing foreign minister spoke about the historic day ahead at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, where President Emmanuel Macron will announce France’s recognition of Palestine—a step also set to be taken by Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, and San Marino.

According to Barrot, the president’s decision will take immediate effect, but its implementation—such as the establishment of diplomatic relations—will be gradual and contingent on conditions on the ground, particularly the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

Barrot responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who considers recognition of Palestine a threat to Israel and “an absurd reward for terrorism,” referring to Hamas.

In the French minister’s view, the decision means quite the opposite: “a categorical rejection of Hamas and its definitive isolation.”

On the eve of this announcement, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia recognized Palestine, bringing the number of U.N. member states to have done so to 150 out of 193—a figure expected to reach 157 today.