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French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine, with a formal declaration to be made at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
The move makes France the most powerful Western nation and the first G7 country to take such a step amid growing international pressure over Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.
Macron posted on social media platform X.
France joins a growing list of countries – including Norway, Ireland, and Spain – that have recently taken steps toward recognizing Palestinian statehood. Currently, 142 out of 193 UN member states recognize or plan to recognize Palestine.
Macron’s decision comes amid increasing outrage in Europe over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where nearly 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched a full-scale military campaign following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. That attack killed over 1,100 people and led to more than 200 people being taken hostage.
The Israeli government swiftly condemned France’s move, calling it dangerous and a reward for terrorism. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the recognition would create a “Launchpad to annihilate Israel,” while defense Minister Israel Katz labelled it a “disgrace.”
On the other hand, Palestinian officials and groups welcomed the decision. The Palestinian Authority praised France’s commitment to international law, while Hamas called it a “positive step” toward justice and self-determination.
Secretary of United State Marco Rubio called it a “reckless decision” that undermines peace and strengthens Hamas. The Trump administration also confirmed it would boycott a UN conference on a two-state solution, scheduled for July 28–30 and co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
The United States sharply rejected Macron’s plan.
Despite growing calls for a ceasefire, ceasefire talks led by the US, Egypt, and Qatar have so far failed. In a recent joint statement, 28 countries, including the UK, Japan, and several EU nations, demanded that Israel’s war “must end now” and condemned restrictions on humanitarian aid and attacks on civilians seeking food and water.
Macron’s recognition plan is seen as a significant shift in Western diplomacy and could further isolate Israel if other major powers follow suit.
