Despite the US and Israel, 15 countries simultaneously issued an important statement on Palestine
A group of 15 countries, including many Western countries such as France, Australia and Canada, have just called on the international community to recognize the state of Palestine. This move is seen as an essential step towards a two-state solution to end the war in Gaza.
In a joint statement issued late on July 30 (local time) after a meeting in New York, the foreign ministers of 15 countries affirmed their strong stance. The group includes Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia and Spain.
"We... have recognized, or expressed our readiness or positive consideration of recognizing, the state of Palestine, as an essential step towards a two-state solution," the foreign ministers said in the statement.
The statement also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Hamas. The countries also stressed the need to reunite the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, and called on other countries around the world to join in this effort.
The joint move comes just days after France pledged to formally recognise the state of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September. French President Emmanuel Macron said on July 24 that the move would advance the cause of peace in the Middle East, despite fierce criticism from the US and Israel.
On July 29, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also announced that the UK would recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel took action to end the "terrible situation in Gaza." In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Starmer's ultimatum, calling it a "reward for Hamas."
As of March this year, 147 out of 193 United Nations member states have officially recognized Palestine.
The current conflict erupted in October 2023 after a Hamas offensive into southern Israel that reportedly killed 1,200 people and took dozens hostage.
Since then, Israeli retaliation attacks have killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to figures from Gaza's health authorities.
