PARIS – July 25, 2025 –
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday, July 24th, that France will officially recognize Palestine as a state, a move set to be formalized at the United Nations General Assembly in September. This declaration marks a significant diplomatic shift and places France as the most prominent Western power to formally recognize Palestinian statehood, amidst escalating international pressure on Israel over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Macron stated, “True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine.” He emphasized that “the urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved,” adding that “peace is possible.” He further clarified that France supports the establishment of a demilitarized Palestinian state that fully recognizes Israel and contributes to the security of the entire Middle East.
The announcement was swiftly and vehemently condemned by Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Macron’s decision “a grave mistake” and asserted that such a move “rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became.” He added that “a Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it.” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed these sentiments, labeling Macron’s decision as “a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism,” accusing it of “granting a reward and encouragement to the murderers and rapists of Hamas.”
The Palestinian Authority, through PLO Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh, expressed “thanks and appreciation” to President Macron for his decision, seeing it as a reflection of France’s commitment to international law and Palestinian self-determination. Hamas also reportedly welcomed the announcement as a “positive step.”
France’s decision comes at a time when Europe’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict appears to be hardening, particularly in light of the severe humanitarian situation in Gaza and the recent collapse of ceasefire talks. More than 140 countries already recognize a Palestinian state, including more than a dozen European nations such as Spain, Ireland, and Norway, who made similar announcements recently. However, France’s recognition, as a G7 member and a major diplomatic force, is expected to lend significant momentum to the global movement for Palestinian statehood.
President Macron’s move also follows closely on the heels of the U.S. withdrawal from Gaza ceasefire talks, with Washington blaming Hamas for the lack of progress. The French President is expected to join leaders from Britain and Germany for emergency talks on Gaza to discuss aid delivery and de-escalation efforts, indicating a continued European push for a resolution to the conflict.
