France to Officially Recognize State of Palestine in September 2025
French President Macron will announce the recognition of Palestine at the UN in September 2025, sparking diverse global reactions.
Key Points
- • Emmanuel Macron announces France will recognize Palestine at the UN in September.
- • Israel criticizes the announcement as rewarding terrorism and undermining security.
- • Palestinian officials and some international leaders praise the decision as historic support for Palestinian rights.
- • Macron emphasizes the necessity for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza.
In a pivotal diplomatic move, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on July 24, 2025, that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly scheduled for September. Macron's declaration, made via social media, aligns with France's long-standing commitment to a just peace in the Middle East and aims to revitalize the stalled two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
Macron's announcement marks France as a groundbreaking G7 nation to recognize Palestinian statehood, which currently has formal recognition from approximately 148 UN member states. During his address at the UN, Macron emphasized an urgent need for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, humanitarian relief for Gaza, and the demilitarization of Hamas to ensure regional stability. He has framed this recognition as essential for building a viable Palestinian state that acknowledges Israel's right to exist. In this context, he noted, "L’urgence est aujourd’hui que cesse la guerre à Gaza et que la population civile soit secourue."
The decision has elicited a mixed reaction domestically and internationally. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognition as a reward for terrorism, reinforcing claims that it undermines Israel's security and promotes hostile elements within the region. Netanyahu asserted, "This recognition would encourage further violence and legitimize groups like Hamas." Meanwhile, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin denounced it as a serious misstep in French diplomatic history.
Conversely, Palestinian officials welcomed Macron's announcement enthusiastically. Hussein al-Cheikh, a senior figure in the Palestine Liberation Organization, expressed gratitude for France's commitment to international law and Palestinian rights. Additionally, leaders from Saudi Arabia and Spain have supported this recognition, viewing it as a historic affirmation of Palestinian rights.
As Macron prepares for this significant address, he also announced plans for co-chairing an international conference alongside Saudi Arabia to address the ongoing conflict and discuss pathways towards peace, indicating France's intention to play a decisive role in Middle Eastern diplomacy. The backdrop to this announcement includes escalating violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza, where reports indicate that nearly 59,000 Palestinians have died due to the conflict, raising calls for urgent international intervention.