Fifteen countries back French-led statement calling for recognition of Palestinian state

Fifteen countries have signed a joint French-led declaration, demanding an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all captives held by Hamas and calling for a two-state solution.

"[We] have already recognised, have expressed or express the willingness or the positive consideration of our countries to recognise the State of Palestine, as an essential step towards the two-state solution," the statement said, inviting "all countries that have not done so to join this call".

The statement also called for the unification of "the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority" and expressed "grave concern over the high number of civilian casualties and humanitarian situation in Gaza and emphasised the essential role of the United Nations and its agencies in facilitating humanitarian assistance."

The signatory countries include Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia and Spain.

A New York avec 14 autres pays, la France lance un appel collectif : nous exprimons notre volonté de reconnaître l'Etat de Palestine et invitons ceux qui ne l’ont pas encore fait à nous rejoindre. pic.twitter.com/faCYTYwmES

— Jean-Noël Barrot (@jnbarrot) July 30, 2025