France to Recognize State of Palestine in Landmark Move, Says Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine, marking a historic shift in the country’s diplomatic stance and potentially reshaping European engagement with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The recognition is expected to be formally declared during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
This move positions France as the first G7 nation to make such a declaration, following growing international calls for a two-state solution amid the protracted war in Gaza. In a letter addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and in public remarks, Macron emphasized that the recognition is in line with France’s long-standing commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East. He said the move was driven by an urgent need to halt the conflict, protect civilians, and ensure humanitarian access.
The decision has been welcomed by the Palestinian Authority, as well as Hamas, both of which view the recognition as a significant step toward legitimizing Palestinian statehood on the global stage. Several other countries, including Spain, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, and Norway, have expressed support for France’s stance and may follow suit in the coming months.
However, the announcement drew sharp criticism from Israel and its key ally, the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described France’s action as a dangerous endorsement of terrorism, accusing Paris of rewarding violent extremism amid continued hostilities. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called it a “surrender to terrorism.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined in the condemnation, calling the move “reckless” and claiming it undermines any realistic pathway to peace by strengthening the position of Hamas.
Despite the backlash, Macron defended the decision as a bold but necessary step toward reviving peace negotiations. He argued that a demilitarised, sovereign Palestinian state that recognizes Israel’s right to exist is the only viable route to lasting peace. He also made clear that France’s recognition would not be purely symbolic, but part of a broader strategy to reshape international diplomacy around the conflict and push for concrete outcomes at the upcoming U.N. peace conference on Gaza scheduled for late July in New York.
While full United Nations membership for Palestine would still require approval from the Security Council—a step likely to be blocked by a U.S. veto—France’s recognition adds substantial weight to the growing international movement in favor of Palestinian statehood. Macron’s decision signals frustration within Europe over Israel’s continued settlement expansion and refusal to re-engage in meaningful peace talks.
As tensions remain high in Gaza and diplomatic efforts continue, France’s move is being seen as a turning point that could either re-energize global peace efforts or further entrench divisions in the Middle East. Either way, the announcement has thrust the question of Palestinian statehood back into the heart of global diplomacy.
