How significant is decision by France, UK, Canada to recognise Palestinian state?

Clement Manyathela speaks to David Martinon, the Ambassador of France to South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi; DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri; international relations experts Prof. Gilbert Khadiagala and Honorary Professor John Streamlau about the announcements made by Canada, the UK and France to formally recognise a Palestinian state.

Listen below:

The United Kingdom says it will recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza.

The UK’s decision comes days after French President Emmanuel Macron said his country will recognise the state of Palestine, citing the urgent need to end the war in Gaza and alleviate the humanitarian crisis. 

Martinon says the decision supports the stance he has long held.

"France has been advocating for the two-state solution since 1983... so on this, there is no change. We have always been pursuing that solution."

- David Martinon, Ambassador of France to South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi

He explains what led to France's decision to formally recognise a Palestinian state.

"The fact that there is no political perspective in the current situation and that the ongoing situation in Gaza requires such a political horizon, we need to see an endgame to it so we can see progress."

- David Martinon, Ambassador of France to South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi

The decision was also fueled by recent comments made by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas when he announced his intention to hold elections before the end of the year.

"He has made a few commitments that are absolutely significant and that, in a way, changed the game."

- David Martinon, Ambassador of France to South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi

"He stated that the Palestinian State should be the sole provider of security on its territory, which means that it is an obvious rejection of any oppression by Hamas and the need for the complete disarmament of Hamas."

- David Martinon, Ambassador of France to South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi

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Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation from The Clement Manyathela Show.