France to Recognize Palestine in September: Macron
Islamabad 25 July: France to recognize Palestine as a state in September, says President Emmanuel Macron.
Macron has announced that France will officially recognize Palestine as a state during the United Nations General Assembly session in September 2025.
The declaration, made via his official X account, signals a major shift in France’s Middle East policy and highlights growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In his statement, Macron emphasized the urgency of addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, citing increasing reports of starvation and civilian suffering. He called for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and large-scale humanitarian aid. “Given France’s historic commitment to a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,” he stated, adding that “peace is possible.”
France will become the first G7 country to make such a move, following months of deliberation. Macron had earlier indicated that recognition might come in June 2025, but the plan was delayed due to rising regional tensions, including the Israel-Iran conflict. The recognition is expected to be formally presented at the UN General Assembly in New York, where Macron intends to advocate for a demilitarized Palestinian state that also recognizes Israel.
The announcement has stirred international debate. Online reactions ranged from praise to skepticism, with some viewing the move as a significant step toward peace, while others criticized it as symbolic without broader international cooperation. Israeli officials have raised concerns that recognizing Palestine could be interpreted as legitimizing Hamas. Macron has addressed this by calling for Hamas’ disarmament and the restoration of the Palestinian Authority’s governance in Gaza.
The decision comes ahead of a delayed international conference on the two-state solution, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, now scheduled for late July. Although both Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are not expected to attend, foreign ministers will lead the dialogue aimed at laying out a roadmap for Palestinian statehood and regional stability.
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Macron’s announcement also aligns with a recent letter from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who called for Hamas’ demilitarization and condemned the group’s October 2023 attack on Israel. The move is seen as part of renewed efforts to revive the two-state solution, though substantial obstacles remain, including opposition from Israel, the United States, and the absence of enforcement mechanisms like sanctions or trade actions.
As the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, France’s announcement positions it at the forefront of renewed diplomatic engagement in the region. However, the realization of a viable Palestinian state will depend on broader international consensus and concrete political action.
