France has formally recognised a Palestinian state, becoming the latest in a wave of countries to take the step.
Speaking at the UN in New York, President Emmanuel Macron said the time for peace has come and that nothing justifies the ongoing war in Gaza.
France and Saudi Arabia are hosting a one-day summit at the UN General Assembly focused on plans for a two-state solution. G7 states Germany, Italy, and the US have refused to attend.
Macron confirmed that Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra and San Marino would also recognise a Palestinian state, after the UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal announced recognition on Sunday.
International pressure is ramping up on Israel over the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza and settlement building in the West Bank. Israel has said recognition would reward Hamas for the Palestinian armed group's 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages.
The French leader told the conference that the time had come to stop the war and free the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas. He warned against the peril of endless wars and said right must always prevail over might.
Macron emphasized that the international community had failed to build a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, adding that we must do everything in our power to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution that would see Israel and Palestine side by side in peace and security.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud echoed the sentiment, reiterating a two-state solution as essential for lasting peace in the region.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres described the situation in Gaza as morally, legally and politically intolerable and underlined the two-state solution as the only credible path for peace.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, addressing the conference remotely, called for a permanent ceasefire and stated that Hamas should relinquish control over Gaza to the Palestinian Authority.
Macron indicated that France was prepared to participate in a stabilisation mission in Gaza and noted that an embassy would only be opened once the hostages held by Hamas are released and a ceasefire is established.
Israel's ambassador to the UN criticized Macron's announcement, asserting that a two-state solution was off the table following the October 7 attacks, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently opposed the creation of a Palestinian state.
The French government has seen pro-Palestinian displays, such as the Eiffel Tower illuminated with both flags, despite prior orders to remain neutral, signaling the public's growing support for recognition.
In different responses, Germany has stated that recognition of a Palestinian state is not currently on the agenda, while Italian protests over the issue have also emerged.
