France and Several Countries Officially Recognise Palestinian State, Increasing Israel’s International Isolation

France and several Western nations officially recognised the Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly, deepening Israel’s international isolation amid its ongoing Gaza conflict and West Bank settlement expansion. Co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the summit also saw Monaco, Malta, Luxembourg, and Belgium support recognition, though Belgium stated legal effect depends on Hamas disarmament and prisoner release. French President Emmanuel Macron called recognition the only path for Israel-Palestine coexistence, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described it as a right, not a reward. Israel strongly opposed the move, with PM Benjamin Netanyahu warning of regional security risks. Currently, about 157 of 193 UN member states have recognised Palestine, marking a significant diplomatic milestone in the Middle East conflict.