Paris: France could potentially recognize the state of Palestine as early as June during an international conference co-chaired with Saudi Arabia, French President Emmanuel Macron announced. The conference is expected to take place in New York, marking a significant step towards the implementation of a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

According to Anadolu Agency, Macron emphasized the importance of moving towards recognition during an interview broadcast on France 5. He noted that the planned conference could serve as a pivotal moment for mutual recognition by several parties involved in the conflict. By collaborating with Saudi Arabia to chair this event, France aims to finalize the process of recognition in the coming months.

Macron's remarks come amidst increasing international pressure to resolve the conflict in Gaza, where more than 50,000 people have been killed by Israeli military actions since October 2023. The French President reiterated that recognizing a Palestinian state is not taboo for France, describing it as both a moral and political necessity.

In a statement made in February 2024, Macron highlighted the importance of addressing the aspirations of the Palestinian people, who he believes have been neglected for too long. He also mentioned the historical suffering of Israelis and stressed the need for peace in a region plagued by chaos and revenge.

Currently, 147 out of 193 UN member states recognize the state of Palestine. Recent additions to this list include Spain, Ireland, and Norway, bringing the total number of EU countries granting recognition to 10. Other nations that have recognized Palestinian statehood include Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, Hungary, Poland, Sweden, and Romania, as well as several Eastern European countries such as Ukraine, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, and Belarus.