PARIS, July 24, 2025 – French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine, marking a significant shift in the country’s Middle East policy. The decision, set to be officially declared at the United Nations General Assembly in September, comes amid escalating tensions in the region and follows a personal letter to the Palestinian Authority’s leadership outlining France’s commitment to peace.
Macron’s statement, posted on X late Thursday, emphasized France’s historical role in seeking a “just and durable peace” in the Middle East. “Fidèle à son engagement historique… j’ai décidé que la France reconnaîtra l’État de Palestine,” he wrote, pledging to address the announcement on the global stage next month. The move aligns with France’s long-standing support for a two-state solution, with Jerusalem as a shared capital, a position reinforced by its 1974 vote to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as an observer at the UN.
The decision follows heightened tensions, particularly in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict has claimed at least 59,106 lives since October 2023, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Macron called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid to Gaza, while advocating for the demilitarization of Hamas and the reconstruction of the region. He also stressed the need for a viable Palestinian state that recognizes Israel and contributes to regional security.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly condemned the move, linking it to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed 1,200 and saw 251 hostages taken. “This is a reward to Hamas and will not lead to peace,” Netanyahu stated on X. Meanwhile, some French citizens and international observers criticized the timing, with voices like Jérémy Benhaïm calling it a “reward for terrorism,” while others, including Taoufiq Tahani, urged immediate recognition without conditions.
France’s action brings it in line with 147 of 193 UN member states that recognize Palestine as of March 2025, though key allies like the United States and the United Kingdom have yet to follow suit. The decision reflects France’s delicate balancing act—supporting Israel’s security since 1949 while repeatedly criticizing its settlement policies in occupied territories, as noted by the French Foreign Ministry.
Domestically, the move carries weight given France’s large Muslim and Jewish communities, the largest in Europe, adding pressure to Macron’s foreign policy, according to Politico. As the international community watches, the September announcement could reshape diplomatic efforts in the region, with Macron asserting, “We will win the peace.”
This story is developing, with further reactions expected as the UN General Assembly approaches.