French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York, scheduled for September 2025.
This landmark decision is expected to significantly impact the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and reignite global discussions around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Macron: France Committed to Just and Lasting Peace
In a public statement shared on X and Instagram, Macron declared:
“In line with France’s historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine.
I will make this announcement official at the UN General Assembly in September.”
Macron emphasized the urgency of ending the war in Gaza and protecting civilians, adding that establishing a viable Palestinian state is essential for regional security.
He stressed that this future state must be demilitarized and acknowledge Israel’s right to exist as part of a broader peace framework.
In a letter addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron said the decision reflects France’s intent to make “a decisive contribution to peace in the Middle East” and to engage international partners willing to support this effort.
Israel and the U.S. React Strongly Against the Decision
France announcement to recognize the State of Palestine was met with sharp criticism from Israeli leaders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, calling it “a reward for terrorism” and warning it could lead to “a new Iranian proxy in the region.”
He argued that a Palestinian state would serve as a “launchpad to eliminate Israel” rather than promote peaceful coexistence.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also rejected the decision, labeling it “a disgrace and surrender to terrorism,” and affirmed that Israel would never accept a Palestinian state that threatens its sovereignty and security.
Across the Atlantic, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Israeli concerns.
In a post on X, he wrote:
“President Macron’s reckless move only serves Hamas propaganda and undermines peace. It’s a slap in the face to the victims of October 7.”
The U.S. had previously expressed opposition to any State of Palestine unilateral recognition in June 2025 diplomatic memo, warning such actions would run counter to American foreign policy and could lead to negative consequences.
Delayed Franco-Saudi Conference to Resume in July Ahead of UN Assembly
France was initially set to co-host a joint peace conference with Saudi Arabia in June 2025 to explore pathways to Palestinian statehood while ensuring Israeli security.
However, the summit was postponed due to U.S. pressure and escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
The conference has now been rescheduled to take place at the ministerial level in late July, with a follow-up summit for world leaders set to coincide with the UN General Assembly in September.
Palestinian Reaction
Palestinian officials welcomed the French announcement. Hussein Al-Sheikh, Deputy Palestinian Prime Minister, thanked France for its stance, describing it as a reflection of France’s respect for international law and the Palestinian right to self-determination.
Hamas also praised the move, calling it “a positive step in the right direction” and “a political shift that reflects growing international recognition of the Palestinian cause.”
The group urged other countries—especially in Europe—to follow France’s lead.
Saudi Arabia Welcomes France Recognition of the State of Palestine
Saudi Arabia issued an official statement through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X, applauding Macron’s plan and calling it a “historic decision that confirms international consensus on the Palestinian right to statehood based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital.”
Riyadh also urged countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to take “serious and positive actions in support of peace.”
Jordan welcomed the decision as well, describing it as a crucial step to confront efforts aimed at denying the Palestinian people’s right to sovereignty over their national territory.
Spain and UK Will Also Recognize the State of Palestine
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, a vocal critic of Israeli military operations in Gaza, also expressed support for Macron’s move.
“Together, we must protect what Prime Minister Netanyahu is trying to destroy.
The two-state solution is the only path forward,” he said in a post on X.
The United Kingdom responded cautiously to President Macron’s announcement, reaffirming its long-standing support for the State of Palestine as part of a two-state solution.
However, the UK government emphasized that immediate priorities include achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and addressing the humanitarian crisis.
While discussions with France are ongoing, British officials made it clear that recognition should come at a time that genuinely supports peace efforts—rejecting any symbolic or unilateral moves at this stage.
