Arab States to Condemn Hamas, Support Palestinian Statehood at UN Event

Arab nations are preparing to condemn Hamas and call for its disarmament for the first time at a United Nations ministerial meeting in New York next week, a move aimed at rallying European countries to recognize Palestinian statehood, according to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

Speaking to Le Journal du Dimanche, Barrot revealed the initiative is a joint effort between France and Saudi Arabia, designed to isolate Hamas and accelerate international support for a two-state solution. “European countries will confirm their intention to recognize the State of Palestine. Half have done so already; the rest are considering it,” Barrot said, noting Britain’s declared intent and Germany’s longer-term timeline.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will officially recognize Palestine during the U.N. General Assembly on September 21, a decision criticized by the United States and Israel. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, however, called early recognition “counterproductive,” while Germany confirmed no immediate plans to follow suit.

The upcoming U.N. event will also outline a post-war roadmap covering security, reconstruction, and governance, aligned with the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. Barrot added that the European Commission is preparing tougher measures against Israel, including demands to halt new West Bank settlements and end militarized control over humanitarian aid.

He further urged European nations to pressure for lifting the financial blockade on the Palestinian Authority, enabling the release of €2 billion in withheld funds. The initiative, set to culminate on September 21, signals a significant shift in diplomatic dynamics surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and could reshape international recognition of Palestinian statehood.