Overview
- At a high-level meeting co-hosted with Saudi Arabia at the United Nations, President Emmanuel Macron announced France's recognition of Palestine and outlined conditions for opening an embassy tied to reforms, a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
- Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday, with Malta announcing recognition Monday and several European microstates expected to follow.
- Israel and the United States boycotted the meeting as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned recognition as a reward for terrorism and signaled potential unilateral steps, while Washington warned partners against measures targeting Israel and denied visas to senior Palestinian officials.
- On the ground in Gaza, Israeli forces expanded their Gaza City offensive and ordered the evacuation of the Jordanian field hospital, where officials said some 300 patients were present, as humanitarian groups reported large-scale displacement.
- Diplomats described the recognitions as politically significant yet largely symbolic in the short term since full UN membership still requires Security Council approval, where a U.S. veto remains likely.