France Confirms Andorra Will Recognize the State of Palestine at the UN

French authorities have confirmed that Andorra, a principality located between France and Spain, will recognize the State of Palestine on Monday. This announcement coincides with a high-level conference on the two-state solution at the United Nations General Assembly. Although sources within the Andorran government insisted that "if any decision is made, it will be during Monday's meeting," the government had already announced its intention to support the recognition back in July.

According to the Élysée Palace, Andorra will join a group of nations that have either already recognized or announced their intention to recognize Palestine, including France, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Portugal, Malta, the United Kingdom, and San Marino. This coordinated diplomatic move aims to bolster international support for the two-state solution, as reported by the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia.

The Élysée also announced that a total of 10 countries, including France, will recognize the State of Palestine during the New York conference. France had previously warned that any Israeli annexation of the West Bank would be considered a "clear red line."

In earlier statements, French President Emmanuel Macron sharply criticized Israeli policies, stating that Israel is "completely destroying its image and credibility with global public opinion because of the civilian casualties in Gaza."

Speaking to Israel's Channel 12, Macron said: "Israel has achieved striking security results… However, carrying out such operations in Gaza is completely counterproductive and I must say they are a failure." He added that "the continuation of this approach weakens Israel's position on the international stage and undermines global support for it."

Macron defended France's decision to recognize a Palestinian state, arguing that the move is the "best way to isolate Hamas," reflecting a shift in France's diplomatic strategy towards the conflict.