Palestine recognition won't ease humanitarian crisis in Gaza – Lithuanian FM

VILNIUS – With a growing number of Western countries recognizing a Palestinian state, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys says such steps will not help ease the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

"In Lithuania, the issue of recognition is assessed from this perspective: how does it help solve concrete problems? How will recognition today ease suffering tomorrow, how will it stop hunger? What we really need is to mobilize humanitarian aid. Lithuania is contributing to this and will continue to do so," Budrys said in New York on Monday.

"We also need to put pressure on Israel to allow humanitarian aid to reach those who need it most, but recognition is not connected to this and does not help in any way," he added.

The minister stressed that Lithuania's position is a "peaceful resolution of the conflict," the release of hostages held by Hamas, a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to hunger.

"To achieve this, we must mobilize everything at our disposal: the best diplomatic tools, persuasive efforts, and pressure on Israel, while not losing sight of the root causes of the conflict. That is our approach," he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron officially recognized a Palestinian state at the United Nations on Monday. Speaking at a summit not attended by Israel and the United States, he also called for an end to the war in Gaza.

Monaco, Belgium, Andorra, Malta and Luxembourg also announced their recognition from the General Assembly podium on Monday.

On Sunday, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognized a Palestinian state, adding diplomatic pressure on Israel as it presses ahead with its war in Gaza.

Currently, three-quarters of UN member states recognize Palestine as a state.

Spain, Ireland and Norway recognized Palestine in May 2024, and Sweden did so more than a decade ago.

President Gitanas Nauseda said on Monday that recognizing a Palestinian state does not currently appear to Lithuania as a step that would ensure peace in the region, but stressed that a two-state solution is seen as the only option in the long run.