French President Emmanuel Macron has declared that France will officially recognise the State of Palestine this September, becoming the first G7 country to do so. The formal declaration will be made during the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York, a decision Macron described as highly important for peace in the Middle East.
Writing on X, Macron stressed the urgency of halting the bloodshed in Gaza: “The urgent need today is for the war in Gaza to end and for the civilian population to be rescued. Peace is possible. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid to the masses of Gaza.”
Palestinian leaders welcomed the declaration
Palestinian leaders welcomed the declaration, with senior official Hussein al-Sheikh calling it a “true reflection of France’s dedication to international law” and the right of Palestinians to self-determination. A letter from Macron confirming the decision was also sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
The move, however, has become the reason of igniting sharp backlash from Israel and its allies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision, warning that a Palestinian state in the current circumstances would become a “launch pad to annihilate Israel.” Meanwhile, the US strongly rejected the recognition, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it “reckless.”
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Despite opposition, Macron maintained that recognition is considered to be the most important to long-term stability. He emphasized that the creation of a Palestinian state must include demilitarisation of Hamas, rebuilding Gaza, and a firm recognition of Israel.
The decision has already put pressure on other Western nations. UK PM Keir Starmer has declared plans for an emergency call with French and German leaders, acknowledging growing demands at home for the UK to follow suit. Saudi Arabia has admired the stance of France, calling it a reaffirmation of the Palestinian people’s right to independence.
140 UN members recognize Palestine
Currently, more than 140 UN member states recognise Palestine, though most G7 countries—including the US, UK and Germany—have held back. Macron’s declaration could shift that balance.
The decision emerges on the surface right after Gaza reels from devastation: over 59,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s offensive began after Hamas’s October 2023 attack. Aid agencies warn of mass starvation and severe child malnutrition, urging the international community to act before it’s too late.