In a renewed push to revive the long-stalled two-state solution, France and 14 other Western nations have jointly called on the international community to move toward recognising a Palestinian state. The appeal comes amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza and rising international frustration over the lack of political progress.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced the joint initiative on Wednesday following a high-level conference in New York focused on Middle East peace efforts.

“In New York, together with 14 other countries, France is issuing a collective appeal: we express our desire to recognise the State of Palestine and invite those who have not yet done so to join us,” Barrot posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The move follows a growing wave of international support for Palestinian statehood in the wake of Israel’s months-long military campaign in Gaza. The offensive, launched after Hamas’s October 7 attack, has left over 38,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and devastated much of the territory’s infrastructure.

In May, Spain, Ireland, and Norway formally recognised the State of Palestine, citing a moral and legal imperative to support a viable two-state solution. Their recognition brought the number of United Nations member states recognising Palestine to over 140 out of 193—although key Western powers, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, had previously withheld recognition, pending a negotiated peace.

However, Wednesday’s joint statement by France and 14 other Western countries signals a potential shift in European consensus. Although Barrot stopped short of announcing immediate formal recognition by France, his message clearly indicates a growing alignment with countries that have already made the move.

The appeal also comes amid mounting global pressure on Israel to halt its offensive in Gaza and engage in meaningful political dialogue. The United Nations, the International Court of Justice, and several human rights organisations have repeatedly condemned what they describe as disproportionate use of force and collective punishment of civilians.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has warned that more than 80% of Gaza’s population is now displaced, with basic services like water, electricity, and healthcare on the verge of collapse. Famine-like conditions have been reported in northern Gaza, and aid organisations are struggling to deliver assistance amid ongoing Israeli military operations.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the French-led initiative, calling it “a vital step toward justice and peace.” In a statement, the Palestinian Authority urged more nations to follow suit and recognise Palestine within the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Israel, however, strongly condemned the move. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said unilateral recognition of Palestine "rewards terrorism and undermines prospects for real peace."

Despite the backlash, international momentum appears to be building. Diplomats involved in the New York conference hinted that more European countries are likely to recognise Palestine in the coming months, especially if the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate without a clear political resolution.