Macron Announces France Will Recognize Palestinian State at UN Meeting
Paris (AFP):
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September, becoming the most powerful European nation to take such a step amid rising global support for Palestinian statehood.
France’s decision comes as at least 142 countries have now either recognized or pledged to recognize the State of Palestine, according to AFP. However, the move remains strongly opposed by Israel and the United States, who argue that recognition undermines peace negotiations and encourages extremism.
Israel Condemns the Move
Macron’s announcement sparked immediate outrage in Tel Aviv, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denouncing the move as a reward for terrorism. He warned that it poses an existential threat to Israel and could create “another Iranian proxy” akin to Hamas in Gaza.
“This decision risks creating another launchpad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it,” Netanyahu stated.
Palestinians Welcome France’s Decision
Palestinian officials welcomed France’s shift, calling it a moral and political victory.
Senior Palestinian Authority representative Hussein al-Sheikh praised France’s commitment to international law and the Palestinian right to self-determination.
Hamas also hailed the pledge, calling it a “positive step in the right direction” and urged other nations, especially in Europe, to follow France’s lead.
Growing Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The announcement comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens. Macron emphasized the urgent need to end the war in Gaza and rescue civilians, as the Israeli blockade continues to exacerbate hunger and hardship for over two million Palestinians.
“We must finally build the State of Palestine,” Macron wrote on social media. “Its viability depends on demilitarization and mutual recognition with Israel to ensure security for all in the Middle East.”
The World Health Organization has described the hunger crisis in Gaza as “man-made,” while France has directly blamed Israel’s blockade for worsening conditions.
Reactions from Around the World
The move has triggered a ripple effect across Europe and beyond:
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Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Slovenia had already recognized Palestinian statehood following the start of Israel’s 2023 military campaign in Gaza.
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Saudi Arabia called Macron’s move “historic” and encouraged other nations to act similarly.
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Ireland’s Foreign Minister Simon Harris called the decision “the only lasting basis for peace and security.”
In the occupied West Bank, Palestinians expressed hope that more countries would now support their statehood ambitions.
“This is a moral commitment,” said Mahmoud al-Ifranji.
“France’s decision is a step toward global recognition and peace,” added Nahed Abu Taima.
Path Toward a Two-State Solution
Macron plans to formally announce the recognition at the UN General Assembly in September.
While France will be the largest European country to officially back Palestinian statehood, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also hinted at a possible shift, stating that a ceasefire could lead to state recognition.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a vocal critic of Israel’s Gaza offensive, praised France’s decision, saying:
“The two-state solution is the only solution. We must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy.”
Death Toll and the Ongoing Conflict
According to Gaza’s health ministry, 59,587 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in Israel’s military operations since October 2023. Meanwhile, 1,219 Israelis, mostly civilians, died in the Hamas-led attacks that triggered the conflict.