Palestine, September 23. A significant development has emerged in international politics today. Five countries, including France, have announced recognition of Palestine as an independent state. This step could prove to be a new turning point in the Middle Eastern conflict and international diplomacy.

France, Monaco, Malta, Luxembourg, and Belgium have recognized Palestine as an independent country. The official announcement was made late Monday night during a meeting among United Nations member states in New York concerning a resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The meeting was co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, the French President stated that France recognizes Palestine today and that the path to peace must be built.

He described this as a defeat for Hamas. His remarks were met with strong applause, and the Palestinian delegation stood up to welcome the announcement.

Belgium Attaches Conditions to Recognition

Belgium has set conditions for its recognition of Palestine. According to these conditions, it will only become legally effective once Hamas is removed from power in Gaza and all Israeli hostages are released.

Prior to this, on Sunday, four countries—the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal—recognized Palestine. To date, nearly 150 countries have recognized Palestine.

Palestinian President Calls on Hamas to Lay Down Arms

The President of Palestine has stated that Hamas will have no role in governing Gaza in the future. He called on Hamas to lay down its weapons.

Why are US-Aligned Countries Recognizing Palestine?

For many years, Western governments have stated that recognition of Palestine as a state would be granted when conditions were right. They believed that recognition alone would not change the reality on the ground. However, the situation has now deteriorated to such an extent that governments are feeling pressure.

Amid the two-year-long war in Gaza, images of starvation and devastation, along with Israel’s ongoing military actions, are shifting global opinion regarding Israel. It is for these reasons that several countries have decided to recognize Palestine.

Palestine

Palestine is a historic and culturally significant region in the Eastern Mediterranean, with a rich history spanning thousands of years and central importance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is home to ancient cities like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Hebron, which contain sites sacred to all three Abrahamic faiths. In the modern era, the political status of the Palestinian territories is a central issue in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

France

France is a Western European nation with a rich and complex history, dating from ancient Gaul through the rise of the French monarchy, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and its development as a major global power. It is globally celebrated for its profound cultural contributions, particularly in art, philosophy, cuisine, and fashion. Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum in its capital, Paris, symbolize its enduring cultural and historical significance.

Monaco

Monaco is a sovereign microstate on the French Riviera, famously known for its glamorous casinos, luxury lifestyle, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Its history is deeply tied to the Grimaldi family, who have ruled the principality since 1297, making it one of the world’s oldest monarchies. Today, it is a vibrant center of tourism and finance, renowned for its lack of income tax for residents.

Malta

Malta is a small Mediterranean archipelago nation with a remarkably rich history spanning over 7,000 years. It is famed for its Megalithic Temples, which are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world, and for its key strategic role under the Knights of St. John, who built the capital city of Valletta. Its culture is a unique blend of influences from various Mediterranean civilizations that have ruled the islands.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a small, landlocked European country with a rich history centered around its strategic fortress. Its capital, Luxembourg City, was once so heavily fortified it was called the “Gibraltar of the North” before its dismantlement in 1867. Today, it is a modern financial hub and a founding member of the European Union, with its old quarters and fortifications designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Belgium

Belgium is a Western European country with a rich and complex history, having been part of various European powers like the Romans, Spanish, and Dutch before gaining independence in 1830. Culturally, it is renowned for its medieval cities, Renaissance architecture, and as the de facto capital of the European Union. The nation is also famous for its culinary contributions, including waffles, chocolate, and a vast array of beers.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a sovereign nation with a rich history spanning centuries, formed by the political union of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Its global influence was profoundly shaped by the British Empire and the Industrial Revolution. Today, it is known for its constitutional monarchy, historic landmarks, and significant cultural contributions.

Canada

Canada is a vast North American nation with a rich history shaped by Indigenous peoples for millennia, followed by European colonization starting in the 15th century. It evolved from a French and then British colony into a self-governing dominion and finally a fully independent country, known for its cultural diversity and commitment to multiculturalism. Today, it is a federation of ten provinces and three territories, celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes, from expansive forests and mountain ranges to its extensive coastline.