France, at a conference on Monday, formally recognised the State of Palestine, ahead of the annual gathering of global leaders at the United Nations General Assembly.

The time has come to free the 48 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza and to stop the bombing, massacres and displacement in the embattled enclave, French President Emmanual Macron told delegates gathered for UN General Assembly in New York.

He was speaking at the resumption of the international conference co-chaired with Saudi Arabia focused on the question of Palestine and the two-state solution with Israel.

“The time for peace has come because we’re just a few moments away from no longer being able to seize peace,” he said.

The UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognised a Palestinian State on Sunday, and President Macron announced that France would join them – to lengthy applause from delegates attending the meeting.

“The recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people takes nothing away from the rights of the people of Israel who France supported from day one and to the respect of which it is staunchly committed,” he said. “This is why we’re so convinced that this recognition is the only solution that will allow for Israel to live in peace.”

The meeting follows the General Assembly’s resolution overwhelming endorsement of the outcome declaration from the first phase of the conference, which took place in July at UN Headquarters.

Saudi foreign minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, thanked those countries that have recognised the State of Palestine or announced their intention to do so.

“We call on all other countries to take a similar historic step that will have a great impact on supporting the efforts towards the implementation of the two-state solution, achieve permanent and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. They should find a new reality whereby the region can enjoy peace, stability and prosperity,” he said.

Speaking by video link, Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian President, urged Israel to negotiate an “end to this bloodshed and bring about a comprehensive peace,” in Gaza.

Mr Abbas added, “We affirm our condemnation of the crimes of the occupation, and we also condemn the killing and capture of civilians, including what Hamas committed on October 7, 2023.”

He added that Hamas “will not have a role in government, and it and other factions must surrender their weapons to the Palestinian Authority, because we want a single, unified state. One legitimate, one armed, and one law”.

The participating countries aim to keep alive hopes for a diplomatic resolution that envisions a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Meanwhile, critics warn the pressure on Israel could further escalate tensions.

Israel and its ally, the United States, have boycotted the conference.

Mr Abbas spoke via video link after the Trump administration denied him a visa.

The annual UN General Debate begins on Tuesday, with roughly 150 heads of state and government expected to attend.

(NAN)