The conditions to officially recognise Palestine as a state have not yet been met, France's foreign minister said on Wednesday, after a group of other European states announced such a move in the hope that this will help bring peace to the region.
Israel Katz, the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Stephane Sejourne on Wednesday in Paris © X
The conditions to officially recognise Palestine as a state have not yet been met, France's foreign minister said on Wednesday, after a group of other European states announced such a move in the hope that this will help bring peace to the region.
"This is not just a symbolic issue or a question of political positioning, but a diplomatic tool in the service of the solution of two States living side by side in peace and security", Stephane Sejourne said in a statement, adding:
"France does not consider that the conditions have yet been met for this decision to have a real impact on this process".
Norway will recognise an independent Palestinian state, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said on Wednesday while sources told Reuters Ireland and Spain would also announce the recognition.
Reporting by John Irish
Israel launched strikes on the Syrian capital Damascus and a military site near the western city of Homs on Thursday, the Syrian defence ministry said, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken toured the region pushing for a halt to fighting.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told Air Force crews on Wednesday that after striking in Iran, the world will understand Israel's might and its enemies will learn a lesson, according to a video and an X post published by his office.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that Israel's response to Iran's Oct. 1 missile barrage should not lead to greater escalation, as he pushed for a Gaza ceasefire and an end to fighting in Lebanon.
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