French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will officially recognise the State of Palestine in September, making it the first G7 nation to take this significant diplomatic step.
Macron revealed the decision in a post on X, confirming that the formal recognition will be made during a session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“The urgent need today is for the war in Gaza to end and for the civilian population to be rescued. Peace is possible. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza,” Macron wrote.
Macron emphasised that France’s recognition is rooted in its historic commitment to a “just and lasting peace in the Middle East.” He underscored the necessity of demilitarising Hamas and rebuilding Gaza to ensure regional stability.
In a letter addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron confirmed France’s decision to support Palestinian statehood as a key step toward a viable two-state solution.
Palestinian officials warmly welcomed the move. Hussein al-Sheikh, deputy to President Abbas, praised France’s stance as “a reflection of its commitment to international law and the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination.”
However, the decision has been met with sharp criticism from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, calling it “a reward for terror” in light of the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which left around 1,200 people dead and over 250 taken hostage.
“A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel – not to live in peace beside it,” Netanyahu said.
The United States also opposed France’s decision. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described it as “reckless,” reaffirming Washington’s support for Israel’s security and its stance against unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood.
In contrast, Hamas hailed Macron’s announcement as “a positive step in the right direction,” urging other countries to follow France’s example. Currently, more than 140 of the 193 UN member states recognise Palestine, but major powers such as the US and the UK have yet to do so.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, facing increasing pressure from MPs to recognise Palestine, announced plans for an emergency discussion with French and German leaders on Friday.
“Statehood is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people,” Starmer said, suggesting that recognition could pave the way for a lasting ceasefire.
The conflict in Gaza continues to escalate. The territory’s health ministry reports over 59,000 fatalities since Israel launched its military response. Humanitarian conditions remain dire, with the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency warning of widespread malnutrition among children.
Saudi Arabia praised France’s announcement, calling it a reaffirmation of international support for Palestinian independence. Meanwhile, more than 100 aid organisations are warning of mass starvation in Gaza, urging immediate action.
France’s recognition of Palestine is expected to intensify debates on the future of the Middle East and the path to peace.
