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Fifteen Western states urge wider recognition of Palestinian state after U.N. Gaza meeting

30.07.2025 13:00
Foreign ministers from 15 Western countries appealed for global recognition of Palestine and an immediate Gaza ceasefire after a U.N. conference in New York co‑hosted by France and Saudi Arabia.
Internally displaced Palestinians carry bags of flour near a food distribution point in Zikim, northern Gaza Strip, 27 July 2025. The Israeli army declared a tactical pause in military operations in parts of the Gaza Strip on 27 July, to facilitate the safe passage of humanitarian aid convoys. More than 130 Palestinians, the majority of whom chil
Internally displaced Palestinians carry bags of flour near a food distribution point in Zikim, northern Gaza Strip, 27 July 2025. The Israeli army declared a 'tactical pause' in military operations in parts of the Gaza Strip on 27 July, to facilitate the safe passage of humanitarian aid convoys. More than 130 Palestinians, the majority of whom chilPhoto: EPA/MOHAMMED SABER

Fifteen Western nations on Wednesday called on the international community to recognize Palestinian statehood, issuing a joint appeal after a United Nations conference on the Gaza war.

The declaration was signed by ministers from five states that already recognize Palestine – Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Norway and Slovenia – and by officials from Australia, Andorra, Canada, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Portugal, San Marino and France, which said it will extend recognition at the U.N. General Assembly in September. Britain signaled readiness to take a similar step.

The signatories also urged an immediate Gaza ceasefire, the release of Hamas hostages, expanded humanitarian access and the removal of Hamas from power, saying they hoped to rebuild peaceful ties with Israel. Several Arab countries endorsed the statement, which France’s foreign ministry called an “unprecedented” move.

In Warsaw, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Bosacki said Poland was working bilaterally and within the EU and U.N. for a swift ceasefire, greater civilian aid, hostage releases and a two‑state solution. He noted recent meetings with Israel’s ambassador Yaakov Finkelstein and Palestine’s envoy Mahmoud Khalifa.

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Source: PAP, IAR