Kremlin backs Macron’s push for Palestinian statehood at UN

Russia remains committed to the two-state solution as the foundation for resolving the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed during a briefing with reporters.

“The two-state model for resolving the conflict in the Middle East is what has been discussed all along and what is set out in the relevant documents. Russia has always adhered to this point of view,” Peskov stated.

His remarks came in response to a question about whether the Kremlin supports French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to formally recognise the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly session in September.

As tensions in the Middle East intensified in 2024, several European countries — including Ireland, Spain, and Norway — announced their recognition of the State of Palestine. Israel reacted by recalling its ambassadors from Dublin, Madrid, and Oslo for consultations, while also summoning the ambassadors of those nations to its Foreign Ministry. Notably, the Soviet Union, of which Russia is the legal successor, recognised Palestinian statehood as early as 1988.

On July 25, it was revealed that Macron’s initiative had gained further traction. Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan all expressed support for France’s expected recognition of Palestine at the UN General Assembly.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez welcomed France’s stance, stating on social media: “I am delighted that France is joining Spain and other European countries in recognising the State of Palestine.” Sánchez stressed the urgency of defending the two-state solution, which he claimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “trying to destroy,” and reiterated that this model remains “the only solution.”

The Saudi Foreign Ministry also lauded Macron’s decision, calling it a “historic” step. In an official statement, Riyadh said the move “reaffirms the international consensus on the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.” Saudi officials also urged other nations to follow France’s example.

Jordan echoed those sentiments. Its Foreign Ministry expressed hope that Macron’s initiative would mobilise broader international momentum toward Palestinian statehood. A ministry spokesperson emphasised that the two-state solution “remains the only path to achieving a just and comprehensive peace that ensures security and stability across the region.”

To date, at least 142 countries either recognise or have signalled their intention to recognise the State of Palestine. 

By Tamilla Hasanova