UN Debate Heats Up: What Really Happened on the “Two-State Solution”?

rench President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine, a historic step aimed at bolstering Palestinian morale, during a meeting with Saudi Arabia and ahead of the UN General Assembly session. While largely symbolic, the decision reflects growing international support for Palestinian statehood despite little immediate change on the ground.

Macron emphasized the importance of a two-state solution, calling on the global community to “preserve the very possibility of Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.” The announcement was met with applause at the UN session, which also featured remarks from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez noted that France and the UK are joining a growing majority of countries that now officially recognize Palestine.

The move comes amid Israel’s far-right government escalating its war on Gaza following Hamas’ Al-Aqsa Storm Operation on October 7, 2023. Health authorities in Gaza report over 65,000 Palestinian deaths, while Israeli forces recently launched a ground offensive in Gaza City, with little hope for an immediate ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to reject recognition of a Palestinian state.

Macron also proposed a restructured Palestinian Authority, promising to establish a French embassy once reforms, a ceasefire, and the release of captives from the Hamas operation are implemented. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, unable to attend in person due to a US visa denial, addressed the assembly via video link, urging other nations to follow France’s lead and support full UN membership for Palestine.

Several European states, including Luxembourg, Malta, Belgium, and Monaco, have joined the wave of recognitions, with the UK, Canada, and Australia also formally recognizing Palestine earlier this year. However, Germany and Italy remain hesitant, arguing recognition should follow a negotiated political process.

The announcement has sparked tension with Israel, which is reportedly considering occupation of parts of the West Bank and potential retaliatory measures against France, though these are expected to carry mostly symbolic weight. The UAE has warned that such occupation could undermine the Abraham Accords, while the United States cautioned countries taking punitive actions against Israel.

With Israeli aggression escalating in Gaza and settler violence rising in the West Bank, Macron’s recognition highlights the urgent international push for Palestinian rights, signaling a renewed focus on diplomacy even as the two-state solution faces deep challenges.