France joined a growing number of Western nations on Tuesday in formally recognizing Palestinian statehood, a move welcomed by residents in Paris who described it as a significant step toward justice and a call for broader global efforts to end the violence in Gaza. The announcement, made by French President Emmanuel Macron during a high-level UN meeting on the two-state solution, followed similar decisions by the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal in recent days. Paris residents expressed hope that France's decision would inspire more countries to follow suit. "I think this is a remarkable recognition. It will not only encourage more countries to recognize Palestine but also help improve the current situation there. With the ongoing war, what is happening in Palestine is actually genocide," said a resident named Hannes. "We hope that other countries which have not yet recognized it will do so as soon as possible. I believe this is a positive step, and one that will continue to influence other nations as well," said Hadrien, another resident. While applauding the move, some highlighted its tardiness amid escalating casualties in Gaza. "We must acknowledge that what's happening is genocide, and it's deeply wrong. It's a pity that recognition is only coming now, especially after the large-scale massacres in recent months. But this is still good. We are happy," said Lina, a resident. Notably, with France's announcement, the U.S. is now the only permanent member of the UN Security Council that has not recognized the State of Palestine. To date, 157 of the 193 UN member states have acknowledged Palestinian statehood. The move reinforces global support for a two-state solution, even as Israel continues military operations in Gaza. SHOTLIST: FILE: UN Headquarters, New York City - April 23, 2025 1. United Nations headquarters; UN Headquarters, New York City - Sept 22, 2025 2. Various of French President Emmanuel Macron addressing UN meeting on two-state solution; 3. Palestinian representatives, other attendees applauding; FILE: Paris, France - April 28, 2024 4. Arc de Triomphe, national flag of France; 5. Eiffel Tower; Paris, France - Sept 23, 2025 6. SOUNDBITE (French) Hannes, local resident (full name not given) (starting with shot 5): "I think this is a remarkable recognition. It will not only encourage more countries to recognize Palestine but also help improve the current situation there. With the ongoing war, what is happening in Palestine is actually genocide."; FILE: Ramallah, West Bank - 2024 7. Various of Palestinian presidential headquarters; flag of Palestine; Paris, France - Sept 23, 2025 8. SOUNDBITE (French) Hadrien, local resident (full name not given): "We hope that other countries which have not yet recognized it will do so as soon as possible. I believe this is a positive step, and one that will continue to influence other nations as well."; Gaza City, Gaza Strip - Sept 10, 2025 9. Various of destroyed residential building, rubble, residents clearing debris; Paris, France - Sept 23, 2025 10. SOUNDBITE (French) Lina, local resident (full name not given): "We must acknowledge that what's happening is genocide, and it's deeply wrong. It's a pity that recognition is only coming now, especially after the large-scale massacres in recent months. But this is still good. We are happy." ; Gaza City, Gaza Strip - Sept 19, 2025 11. Various of pedestrians, vehicles carrying belongings of displaced Palestinians on street. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]