12:47 26 July 2025
France to Recognize Palestine as a State
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will officially recognize Palestine as an independent state, a move he plans to formalize during the UN General Assembly in September. Calling it a “historic commitment to peace,” Macron stated, “There is no alternative.”
This makes France the largest Western European country to take such a step, joining over 140 nations globally that already recognize Palestine. Macron emphasized the urgency of ending the war in Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, and humanitarian aid delivery.
The move sparked strong criticism from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a “reward for terror,” warning that a Palestinian state would become another Iranian proxy. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accused Macron of endangering hostage negotiations and prolonging the war.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned the decision as “reckless,” framing it as a blow to October 7th victims and a narrative victory for Hamas.
Despite the backlash, Macron stood firm, positioning France as a key player in seeking a long-term resolution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
(EURACTIV)
