VIDEOS: Historic international recognitions boost Palestinian statehood at UN summit

World leaders gathered at the United Nations on Monday for a high-level international conference aimed at breaking decades of diplomatic deadlock over the Palestinian question.

The event, officially titled the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, brought together a coalition of global powers seeking a renewed path toward peace.

The conference, a follow-up to an initiative co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia in July, focused on implementing the recently adopted New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

Passed on September 12 with support from 142 of 193 UN member states, the declaration calls for a “just and lasting peace” based on a two-state solution, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of captives, and the disarmament of Hamas.

France Takes Historic Step

French President Emmanuel Macron announced France’s formal recognition of Palestinian statehood during the 80th UN General Assembly session, a move hailed by the Palestinian Authority as “historic and courageous.” Macron urged an end to hostilities, calling for the immediate release of 48 hostages held by Hamas, while emphasizing that “right must always prevail over might.” He further stressed the urgency of breaking the cycle of war by recognizing the legitimacy and dignity of both 'Israelis' and Palestinians.

Saudi Arabia Hails France’s Recognition of Palestine

Saudi Arabia described French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine as a “historic and courageous stance,” emphasizing that the broad international support reflects the global community’s commitment to justice for the Palestinian people and the affirmation of their rights.

The statement was made in a speech delivered on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the opening of the conference jointly chaired by Riyadh and Paris.

European Nations Join Recognition Efforts

Four European countries, France, Monaco, Luxembourg, and Malta, officially recognized the State of Palestine on Monday during the high-level conference at the United Nations. Belgium also joined the recognition, but with conditions. Prime Minister Bart De Wever clarified that full legal recognition will only occur once all captives are released and Hamas is removed from governance in Palestine. “The legal recognition of a Palestinian state can only proceed once these objectives are achieved,” De Wever said.

The Belgian government added that practical diplomatic steps, such as opening an embassy and signing international agreements, will follow after these conditions are met, in line with the New York Declaration. Andorra’s Foreign Minister, Imma Tor Faus, announced her country’s intention to recognize the State of Palestine once certain conditions are met, emphasizing the importance of a two-state solution as the only credible path to peace.

The announcement was made during a speech at the United Nations in New York. “With this widely shared assessment in mind, the government of Andorra approved the recognition of Palestine, we will continue to forcefully call for the release of all hostages, for the disarmament of Hamas,” Faus said. She stressed that a future Palestinian state should be demilitarized and governed under a “reformed authority” that excludes Hamas. “When the conditions are in place, and if we can guarantee the full regional integration of Israel, this recognition will take its effect,” she added.

Regional Leaders Rally for Peace

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged 'Israel' to return to negotiations, emphasizing that peace and stability require empowering the Palestinian Authority and allowing for legitimate elections in Gaza after the end of hostilities. He also called for the protection of Muslim and Christian sites and stressed the importance of humanitarian access through the United Nations.

King Abdullah: War or Peace, The Choice is Clear

King Abdullah II of Jordan presented the international community with a “clear choice”: to continue down the “dark and bloody path of war and conflict” or to follow the “path of peace based on a two-state solution.” His Majesty warned that the devastating level of bloodshed in Gaza constitutes a blatant violation of international law and threatens the foundations of future peace.

“Horrific Level of Bloodshed”, Call for an Immediate End to the Gaza War

King Abdullah began his speech by addressing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza: “We are witnessing a horrific level of bloodshed and destruction in Gaza. This is a blatant violation of international law and the shared values of our humanity.” He emphasized two urgent demands: “The war on Gaza must end, and humanitarian aid must flow without obstruction.”

His Majesty also highlighted the deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank, stressing the need to “end all illegal unilateral measures in the West Bank and the violence perpetrated by settlers” as a fundamental condition for restoring hope in the peace process.

Praise for International Recognition and Hope in the Two-State Solution

King Abdullah commended the renewed international diplomatic momentum, noting a growing global consensus in support of a two-state solution: “We thank all the countries that have recognized the State of Palestine. Now we must work to halt all measures that undermine the two-state solution.” He described the commitment of many nations to achieving a peaceful future as “the beginning of this long, challenging, yet essential process.”

He concluded by reaffirming that “the two-state solution is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace that fulfills the rights of all our peoples,” urging the world to raise its voice for peace and justice.

UN Voices Alarm Over Deteriorating Conditions

UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation as “intolerable, and worsening by the hour,” warning that continued conflict in the West Bank threatens the viability of a two-state solution. He stressed that “without two states, there will be no peace in the Middle East,” urging the conference to mark a decisive turning point in international efforts.

Other global leaders echoed the call for immediate action. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock highlighted the human cost of conflict, noting that “children should not be drawing pictures of war,” while Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized the Security Council’s failure to act and called on the General Assembly to secure Palestine’s right to self-determination.