ALBAWABA- In a coordinated diplomatic move, 16 countries, including France, Canada, and Australia, issued a joint appeal on Wednesday urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and calling for international recognition of the State of Palestine.
The statement, published by the French Foreign Ministry, was also endorsed by Andorra, Canada, Australia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, and Spain.
The joint declaration emphasized the urgency of halting hostilities in the Gaza Strip, demanding “an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and remains, and unimpeded humanitarian access.”
“We have already recognized, expressed, or are expressing our readiness or positive outlook to recognize the State of Palestine as an essential step toward a two-state solution,” the statement read, calling on other nations to follow suit.
It reaffirmed a commitment to “two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.”
The statement also underlined the necessity of reunifying Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority’s governance as part of a broader effort to realize a sustainable peace.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reinforced the message in a post on X, writing: “In New York, France and 14 other countries are making a collective appeal: We express our desire to recognize the State of Palestine and urge others to join us.”
The announcement comes amid increasing international support for Palestinian statehood. Spain, Norway, and Ireland officially recognized Palestine on May 28, 2024, followed by Slovenia on June 5, bringing the total number of countries recognizing Palestine to 148 out of 193 UN member states.
The statement was released in parallel with the Two-State Solution Conference, held in New York on July 28–29, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
High-level representatives from across the globe gathered to explore pathways to implement a two-state framework and advance global recognition of Palestinian statehood.
In its final declaration, the conference, attended by Palestine and notably boycotted by the United States, called for Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza and the handover of the territory to the Palestinian Authority.
It also urged full Palestinian membership in the United Nations and emphasized “the urgent need to stop the war in Gaza, release all hostages and detainees, and end Israel’s military presence in the enclave.”
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has waged a devastating war on Gaza marked by large-scale destruction, famine, and mass displacement. Despite global outcry and binding orders from the International Court of Justice to cease hostilities, the offensive, backed by the United States, has left approximately 206,000 Palestinians dead or wounded, most of them women and children.
