Palestine hails recognition of statehood by 6 more countries as ‘significant, necessary step’ in achieving peace

RAMALLAH, Palestine/ISTANBUL

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described the recognition of Palestinian state by six more countries “a significant and necessary step” in achieving just and lasting peace.

In statements carried by the official news agency Wafa, Abbas welcomed the official recognition of the independent and sovereign state of Palestine by France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, and Andorra at a UN conference on the two-state solution on Monday.

“These recognitions represent a significant and necessary step toward achieving a just and lasting peace in line with legitimate UN resolutions,” Abbas said.

He said “the recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, freedom, and the embodiment of their independence” will pave the way for the implementation of the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The president stressed the urgent necessity of reaching a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip that would enable the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees and the full withdrawal of Israeli army from the enclave.

He reaffirmed “all the commitments and reforms undertaken by the State of Palestine” in this regard.

With the latest announcements, the number of UN members states that officially recognize the state of Palestine rose to 159 out of 193.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has been carrying out a genocide in Gaza, which has killed more than 65,300 Palestinians, most of them women and children. The military campaign has devastated the enclave and led to famine.