France Belgium to recognize Palestine

New York (dpa) — Several countries plan to formally recognize a Palestinian state during a conference in New York on Monday, ahead of the annual gathering of global leaders at the United Nations General Assembly.

French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting the UN conference jointly with Saudi Arabia, starting at 3 pm (1900 GMT), to promote the two-state solution.

In addition to France, Belgium and New Zealand have announced or indicated plans to recognize Palestine despite fierce Israeli opposition.

Britain, Canada and Australia took the step on Sunday, becoming the first major Western economies to recognize Palestinian statehood. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are also scheduled to speak at the conference.

Demonstrations in Europe for Palestine in headline news & online news — FILE – A boy waves a Palestinian flag as demonstrators march during a protest in support of Palestinians and calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, in Barcelona, Spain, on Jan. 20, 2024. European Union countries Spain and Ireland as well as Norway on Wednesday announced dates for recognizing Palestine as a state. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File)

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

Critics warn the pressure on Israel could further escalate tensions.

Israel and its ally, the United States, are boycotting the conference. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will attend as a supporter of a two-state solution, although Berlin currently opposes formal recognition of Palestine.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will participate 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.