Western allies recognize Palestine despite Washington’s position: building a systemic framework for Persian Gulf engagement to strengthen the democratic coalition

From July 28 to 30, 2025, as part of preparations for the September session of the UN General Assembly, France and Saudi Arabia jointly led a conference that culminated in the signing of the “New York Declaration” by all EU member states, the League of Arab States, and 17 other countries.

The declaration outlines a phased plan to end the war in Gaza and establish an independent, demilitarized Palestinian state in the territories of Gaza and the West Bank.

The declaration follows French President Macron’s statement of intent to recognize Palestinian statehood in September during the UN General Assembly. The United Kingdom and Canada later joined France’s position. The German government stated that, while not yet ready to recognize Palestinian independence at this stage, Berlin remains committed to a two-state solution.

The approach of leading European nations and Canada to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian confrontation has highlighted divergences with the United States’ perspective, signaling a further weakening of Western allies’ unity on Middle East policy.