Italy's Meloni on France move to recognise State of Palestine: 'Something that doesn't exist…'
"I am very much in favour of the State of Palestine, but I am not in favour of recognising it before establishing it," Meloni told Italian daily La Repubblica. "If something that doesn't exist is recognised on paper, the problem could appear to be solved when it isn't," she added.
Also Read | What UN meet amid grave tragedy in Gaza aims to achieve, and what it might
In addition to Italy, Germany also indicated that it was not planning to recognise the state of Palestine in the short term, adding that its priority now is to make "long-overdue progress" towards a two-state solution.
France set to recognise Palestinian state
Her remarks come just days after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from both Israel and the United States.
Macron's announcement marks a significant shift in European diplomacy and has sparked debate across EU capitals.
Also Read | Palestinians stare at 'die hungry or leave territory' as Gaza starvation peaks, Israel blames Hamas again
"True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine. I will make a formal announcement at the United Nations General Assembly in September," the French head of state wrote on X and Instagram.
142 nations recognise Palestine
After the inclusion of France, Palestinian statehood is now recognised by 142 countries, according to an AFP tally, though Israel and the United States strongly oppose recognition.
In 1947, a resolution of the UN General Assembly decided on the partition of Palestine, then under a British mandate, into two independent states — one Jewish and the other Arab.
The following year, the State of Israel was proclaimed. For several decades, the vast majority of UN member states have supported the idea of a two-state solution: Israeli and Palestinian, living side-by-side peacefully and securely.
(with AFP inputs)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Kamala Harris running for president in 2028? California Gov decision sparks speculation
Kamala Harris has announced that she will not run for the post of California Governor, ruling out a chance to contest for her home state's highest post. In a statement, the former US Vice President said that she had given 'serious thought' to the matter, but ultimately decided not to run for Governor. The news has sparked speculation about the Democratic leader's intention to run for the 2028 presidential election. Former US Vice President Kamala Harris announced that she would not run for the post of California Governor.(AFP) Harris' decision has implications for current California Governor Gavin Newsom as well. The search for Newsom's successor has been largely static as the state braced for a possible Harris candidacy, Politico reported. She would have been a frontrunner in the race, the outlet said. Also read: Kamala Harris announces she will not run for California governor in 2026 Kamala Harris running for president in 2028? As per The Washington Post, Kamala Harris' decision leaves the door open for another White House bid in 2028. The former Vice President has been exploring the prospects of forming new groups to continue her involvement in politics and advocate for the causes she championed during her 2024 campaign. This comes as she was defeated by Donald Trump in the 2024 US presidential election. This is not the first time Harris has passed up the opportunity to run for governor. She had chosen to run for the US Senate earlier, as she and her advisers felt it was a better fit for her national policy interests and her background as California's former attorney general. In her statement, Harris also indicated that the government had often failed voters. 'At the same time, we must recognize that our politics, our government, and our institutions have too often failed the American people, culminating in this moment of crisis. As we look ahead, we must be willing to pursue change through new methods and fresh thinking — committed to our same values and principles, but not bound by the same playbook.' Also read: Fed rates unchanged: Here's how S&P 500, Wall Street, Nasdaq, Dow Jones reacted to Jerome Powell's announcement 2028 Presidential elections Several candidates are looking to put their name forward for the 2028 presidential election. This includes Gavin Newsom. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and Maryland Governor Wes Moore are believed to be considering a run as well. If Harris and Newsom both run for the Democrat nomination, it could complicate things as they share some of the same advisers and donors. FAQs Is Kamala Harris running for the 2028 presidential election? She has not made any formal announcement on the matter. Will Kamala Harris run for California Governor? In a statement, the former Vice President said she had decided not to do so. Who is the current Governor of California? Gavin Newsom is the current Governor.
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Arab Nations Tell Hamas To End Rule In Gaza, Hand Over Weapons Gaza Ceasefire Netanyahu
Arab countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt joined calls Tuesday for Hamas to disarm and end its rule of Gaza, in a bid to end the devastating war in the Palestinian countries plus the European Union and Arab League threw their weight behind a seven-page text agreed at a United Nations conference on reviving the two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians. Source: CNN News18 Mobile App -
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Middle East crisis: Dozens killed while seeking aid at Gaza crossing; US envoy heads to Israel for talks
At least 37 Palestinians were killed on Wednesday (local time) while waiting for food at a crossing in the Gaza Strip, AP reported citing a local hospital. The source of the gunfire remains unclear, and the Israeli military, which oversees the crossing, has not issued a statement. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This comes as the US envoy is headed to Israel for talks. Shifa Hospital in Gaza City reported that casualties occurred among large crowds gathered at the Zikim Crossing, the main route for humanitarian aid into northern Gaza. US envoy Steve Witkoff, who has spearheaded the Donald Trump administration's push to end the nearly 22-month conflict and secure the release of hostages taken during Hamas' October 7 attack, is set to arrive in Israel on Thursday for discussions on the Gaza crisis. At least 41 people were killed across Gaza on Tuesday, according to hospitals. Twelve died near the Zikim crossing when Israeli forces allegedly opened fire on aid-seekers. Strikes killed 13 more in Jabaliya, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun. In Khan Younis, 16 were killed near the Morag corridor while waiting for aid. Since the war began, 89 children and 65 adults in Gaza have died from malnutrition, AP reported citing local health authorities. Israel denies widespread hunger, disputing reports from the UN and aid groups. The conflict began with Hamas' Oct 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251. Israel's response has killed over 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry, whose figures are widely cited despite operating under Hamas.
