Macron, however, said France would not open an embassy to a Palestinian state until a ceasefire is in place in Gaza and all captives released. The Palestinian Authority hailed France's "historic and courageous" decision and its delegation gave him a standing ovation. Australia, Britain, Canada and Portugal also recognised a Palestinian state, piling pressure on Israel as it intensifies its war in Gaza. Spain, Ireland and Norway already recognised a Palestinian state in May, and Sweden did so in 2014. Palestinian Authority praises decision, presses HamasThe Palestinian Authority hailed France's recognition of Palestine as a "historic and courageous decision" and called on other countries to follow suit.