Paris, France – French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September. This diplomatic move positions France as the first Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nation and the first Western permanent member of the UN Security Council to do so, marking a significant shift in international policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The decision comes amidst escalating global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and France's long-standing commitment to a two-state solution.
President Macron stated in a social media post, which was also conveyed in a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, that the recognition is "true to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East." He emphasized the urgent need to end the war in Gaza and alleviate the suffering of the civilian population, highlighting France's consistent efforts in mediating Middle East peace, including past interventions in Lebanon and attempts at Gaza ceasefire.
The announcement has drawn strong reactions from key international players. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision, stating, "Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became. A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launchpad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, calling France's decision "reckless" and suggesting it "only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace."
Conversely, Palestinian officials have welcomed France's move. Hussein Al Sheikh, Vice President of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) under Abbas, posted that the decision "reflects France's commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination." Hamas also viewed the decision as a "positive step in the right direction," urging other nations to follow suit.
While approximately 140 countries globally already recognize Palestine, France's decision holds particular weight given its economic and diplomatic influence. It follows similar recent recognitions by European nations such as Ireland, Norway, and Spain, and is expected to generate further diplomatic momentum for the two-state solution. France and Saudi Arabia are also co-hosting an upcoming UN conference focused on this resolution, underscoring Paris's proactive stance in seeking a comprehensive peace.