After the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, France has now recognized Palestine as a state amid the ongoing Gaza war.

French President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement on Monday at the opening of a high-level meeting at the United Nations in New York.

The declaration in the UN General Assembly hall drew loud applause from more than 140 world leaders.

The Palestinian delegation, including UN ambassador Riyad Mansour, stood and applauded, while President Mahmoud Abbas was seen clapping on a live broadcast after being barred from attending the gathering due to a US entry ban.

True to the historic commitment of my country to the Middle East, to peace between Israelis and Palestinians, I declare today that France recognizes the state of Palestine, Macron said.

More countries are expected to follow France’s move despite opposition from Israel and the United States.

Abbas is scheduled to address the meeting by video after US authorities denied visas to him and dozens of senior Palestinian officials.