France, Monaco, Luxembourg, and Malta recognize Palestinian state

Four European countries, France, Monaco, Luxembourg, and Malta, officially recognized the State of Palestine on Monday during a high-level international 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 on Monday 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.

The minister 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.