France recognises Palestinian state at UN meeting on Middle East peace process

The Palestinian delegation, including its UN ambassador, Riyad Mansour, could be seen standing and applauding as the declaration was made

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a high-profile meeting at the United Nations (Angelina Katsanis/AP)

France has recognised Palestinian statehood at the start of a high-profile meeting at the United Nations aimed at galvanising support for a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict.

More nations are expected to follow, in defiance of Israel and the United States.