French President Emmanuel Macron has urged the United Kingdom to join France in formally recognising a Palestinian state, emphasizing that such a move represents the only realistic path toward achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. His call adds weight to a growing chorus of voices in Europe and beyond advocating for a two-state solution, amid intensifying conflict and humanitarian crises in the region.
Macron framed the recognition of Palestine not as a symbolic gesture but as a necessary step toward a durable and just resolution between Israelis and Palestinians. According to his vision, acknowledging Palestinian statehood could reframe the political dynamics, offering Palestinians a sense of dignity and political legitimacy while pushing both parties back toward negotiations grounded in mutual recognition.
He expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and the humanitarian toll it continues to exact, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank. The continuing expansion of settlements, the displacement of Palestinian families, and the daily realities of military occupation were all cited as conditions that exacerbate tensions and make a peaceful solution increasingly elusive. Macron argued that without a significant political shift from the international community, the cycle of violence would only deepen.
In his remarks, Macron pointed out that the international community has a moral and strategic responsibility to act decisively. He stressed that the recognition of a Palestinian state must come with robust diplomatic efforts to guarantee Israel’s security as well, arguing that peace cannot be one-sided. Both nations, he emphasized, have a right to exist in safety within secure and recognized borders.
The French leader believes that European nations have a unique role to play in reshaping the regional dialogue. He encouraged not only the UK but other allies within the European Union to consider taking similar steps. Some European countries, including Ireland, Norway, and Spain, have already announced their decision to recognize Palestine, citing a need to correct historical imbalances and encourage a fair and viable peace process.
Macron also acknowledged that diplomatic recognition alone would not resolve the complex issues at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, he believes it can help generate momentum toward renewed dialogue and negotiation, creating pressure on leaders from both sides to return to the table. He reiterated that a two-state solution remains the most viable framework for peace, offering a future where Israelis and Palestinians can coexist as sovereign neighbors.
He warned against further delays, saying that inaction would only embolden extremists and weaken moderate voices striving for coexistence. According to Macron, the world cannot wait for ideal conditions to emerge; instead, it must help create them through bold and principled leadership.
In calling on the UK to join France, Macron signaled a desire for coordinated European engagement on the issue, underlining that peace in the Middle East is not only a regional concern but a global imperative. The recognition of Palestinian statehood, he insists, is not just a political statement—it is a commitment to justice, security, and a more stable future for all.
