French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly session in September, making it the first G7 nation to do so.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Macron stated, “True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine.” He emphasised the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, release of hostages, and a boost in humanitarian aid.
The announcement has drawn praise and criticism in equal measure. Palestinian officials welcomed the move, with Hussein al-Sheikh, a senior official in the Palestinian Authority, describing it as a reflection of France’s commitment to international law and Palestinian rights. Hamas called it a “positive step in the right direction,” urging other nations to follow suit.
In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision, calling it a “reward for terror” in light of Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack on Israel. He warned that recognising a Palestinian state under current conditions would create a threat to Israel’s existence, not peace.
The United States also strongly rejected Macron’s move. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labelled it “reckless,” underscoring Washington’s continued opposition to unilateral recognition.
Macron’s declaration also sparked political reverberations in the UK. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he would hold an emergency call with French and German leaders to discuss measures to stop the ongoing violence in Gaza. While stopping short of recognition, Starmer said a ceasefire could pave the way for a two-state solution.
Over 140 UN member states already recognise Palestine, including several EU countries such as Spain and Ireland. However, major powers like the US, UK, and Germany have withheld recognition, tying it to the outcome of peace negotiations with Israel.
France’s move comes as Gaza continues to suffer immense humanitarian devastation, with over 59,000 reported deaths and rising malnutrition among children. Macron’s decision has reignited global debate over Palestinian statehood amid one of the most severe conflicts in the region’s history.
