French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will formally recognise the State of Palestine during the UN General Assembly in September, making it the most influential European nation to take such a step.
According to an AFP tally, at least 142 countries have already recognised or signalled plans to recognise Palestinian statehood, despite strong opposition from Israel and the United States.
Several countries have declared their intention to recognise Palestine since Israel launched a major offensive on Gaza in 2023 following the October 7 attacks.
Macron’s declaration drew swift condemnation from Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing the move as a reward for terrorism and an existential threat to the Jewish state.
“This decision risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “It will serve as a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it.”
In contrast, senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed Macron’s pledge, calling it a reflection of “France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and an independent state.”
‘Urgent priority’
Global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to mount, with over two million Palestinians facing severe shortages of food and essential supplies. The World Health Organization has labelled the hunger crisis “man-made,” while France has blamed it on Israel’s blockade.
“The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and rescue the civilian population,” Macron stated. “We must finally build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and enable it — by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel — to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East.”
Palestinians in the occupied West Bank hailed the announcement, hoping it would encourage other nations to follow suit.
Mahmoud al-Ifranji described France’s pledge as “a moral commitment” and “a political victory for the Palestinian people,” while Nahed Abu Taima expressed gratitude, saying, “This recognition will lead to the recognition of Palestine by a number of countries in Europe and the world.”
‘Path to statehood’
Macron confirmed that he intends to make the formal declaration during the UN General Assembly in September.
While France’s move is seen as a turning point, other European powers have also hinted at following the same path. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would discuss the issue with German and French counterparts on Friday, noting that a ceasefire could “put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state.”
Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have already recognised Palestinian statehood, alongside several other non-European nations.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, praised Macron’s decision. “Together, we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution,” he wrote on X.
The conflict has claimed 59,587 Palestinian lives, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel killed 1,219 people, also mostly civilians, based on official figures compiled by AFP.
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