European recognition of Palestinian state shows US still only power that counts18 hours ago Share Save Tom Bateman State department correspondent, New York Share SaveEPA France's president co-chaired the UN conference on the Question of Palestine in New YorkBritain and France's recognition of a state of Palestine at the United Nations is a historic moment in the century-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His move, co-ordinated with the UK and under Saudi sponsorship, is meant to keep the two-state solution on life support. Some Israeli ministers want the response to be an announcement of annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank, forever ruling out a viable Palestinian state on the territory. President Donald Trump's administration continues to back its Israeli ally, rejecting the Europeans' move, punishing Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas. EPA The UN conference was also chaired by Saudi ArabiaBut the decision to recognise a Palestinian state against the wishes of Washington amounts to a significant diplomatic gamble.