Paris/France: French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will officially recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September. This makes France the first G7 nation to take this significant diplomatic step.
Macron stated that this decision aligns with “France’s historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.” He emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza, while also asserting the need for the demilitarization of Hamas and the rebuilding of Gaza.
The announcement has garnered a range of international responses: Welcome from Palestinian and Arab Officials: Senior Palestinian Official Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the move, stating it “reflects France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state.” He also thanked Saudi Arabia for its support on the issue.
Hamas described the decision as “a positive step in the right direction,” calling it “support for our people’s right to self-determination and an independent state on all occupied Palestinian land, with Jerusalem as its capital.” The group added that the recognition was “a political development that reflects growing international conviction in the justice of the Palestinian cause.”
The Saudi Foreign Ministry also welcomed President Macron’s announcement. Strong Opposition from Israel and the United States: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned Macron’s decision, calling it “a grave mistake” and a move that “rewards terror.” He asserted that a Palestinian state under current conditions would be “a launchpad to annihilate Israel” and that “the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state in place of Israel.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio “strongly rejected” Macron’s plan, calling it “reckless” and stating it “only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.”
Support from other European Nations and Calls for Further Action: Other European countries that have recently recognized a Palestinian state, such as Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Slovenia, have welcomed France’s decision.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed that “statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people” and that a ceasefire would “put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution.”
