France will recognise Palestinian state, Macron says
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France to recognise Palestine as a state, sparking global praise and backlash.
France Becomes First G7 Nation to Recognise Palestinian State
France’s President Emmanuel Macron has announced that the country will officially recognise the State of Palestine in September, marking a historic first for the G7 group of nations.
Formal Recognition at UN Assembly
President Macron revealed that the recognition will be formally declared during the UN General Assembly session in New York. He shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), calling for an end to the war in Gaza and urgent humanitarian aid. “Peace is possible,” he wrote. “We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.”
Global Reactions and Controversy
Palestinian officials have praised the move. Deputy Palestinian leader Hussein al-Sheikh described it as a reflection of France’s respect for international law and the Palestinian right to self-determination. Hamas also welcomed the announcement, calling it a “positive step” and encouraging other nations to follow suit.
However, the decision sparked sharp backlash from Israel and the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused France of “rewarding terror,” referencing Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack. “A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel,” he said. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Macron’s move “reckless.”
Macron’s Vision for Peace
Macron emphasized that the move aligns with France’s longstanding commitment to peace in the Middle East. He stated that the Palestinian state must be viable, demilitarised, and co-exist peacefully with Israel. His attached letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirmed France’s readiness to support peacebuilding efforts in Gaza.
Mounting Pressure on Other Nations
Currently, over 140 of the 193 UN member states recognise the State of Palestine. A few EU countries such as Spain and Ireland are among them. Yet, major Western powers like the U.S. and the UK have withheld formal recognition.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces increasing pressure from within his party and Parliament. He confirmed plans for an emergency call with French and German leaders to discuss steps toward ending the violence. “A ceasefire would put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution,” he said. A parliamentary foreign affairs committee echoed this call, urging the UK to act before “there is no state left to recognise.”
International Support and Humanitarian Crisis
Saudi Arabia lauded France’s decision, saying it supports the Palestinian right to self-determination. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens. Over 59,000 Palestinians have been killed, and much of the Gaza Strip lies in ruins. UNRWA reports that one in five children in Gaza City is malnourished, and aid organisations warn of impending mass starvation.
Despite Israel’s claims that there is no siege and that Hamas is to blame, international pressure is mounting for greater aid access and a sustainable ceasefire.
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