French President Emmanuel Macron has declared that France will formally recognize a Palestinian state this September, becoming the first G7 nation to take the step. The announcement, posted Thursday on Macron’s official X account, confirmed that the decision will be formalized during a session of the UN General Assembly in New York. “The urgent need today is for the war in Gaza to end and for the civilian population to be rescued,” Macron stated. “Peace is possible. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.”
The declaration triggered swift global reactions. Palestinian officials welcomed the move, calling it a step toward justice. Hussein al-Sheikh, a senior Palestinian Authority official, said the decision reflects France’s “support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and statehood.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognition, warning it would embolden extremist groups. “A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel not to live in peace beside it,” Netanyahu posted on X. He accused Macron of rewarding terror in the aftermath of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The United States also rejected France’s move. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the decision “reckless,” stating it undermines efforts toward a negotiated two-state solution.
The G7, which includes France, the US, UK, Germany, Italy, Canada, and Japan, has long supported a diplomatic path toward Palestinian statehood but stopped short of recognition. France’s shift marks a departure from this stance.
President Macron clarified that recognition does not equate to endorsing Hamas. “We must also guarantee the demilitarization of Hamas and secure and rebuild Gaza,” President Macron wrote. “There is no alternative. We must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and secure full recognition of Israel.”
A formal letter from Macron confirming France’s intent was delivered to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The announcement comes amid worsening conditions in Gaza, where over 59,000 people have been killed since the Israeli military began its offensive following the October 2023 attacks.
The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza has reported rising child malnutrition. On Thursday, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said that one in five children in Gaza City is now malnourished, warning the number is rising daily.
More than 100 humanitarian and rights organizations have urged global leaders to act to prevent mass starvation in the territory. Israel has denied allegations of imposing a siege and blamed Hamas for aid obstruction.
In the UK, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he would hold urgent talks with French and German leaders. He described Palestinian statehood as an “inalienable right” and said a ceasefire would help pave the way for recognition.
Facing growing pressure from within his party, Starmer has yet to match France’s announcement. On Friday, the UK Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee urged immediate recognition of Palestine. “An inalienable right should not be made conditional,” the committee said in a report.
Saudi Arabia also welcomed President Macron’s announcement, calling it a reflection of the international consensus on the Palestinian right to independence.
Currently, more than 140 of the 193 UN member states recognize the State of Palestine. While countries like Spain and Ireland are among them, France’s recognition as a leading G7 economy marks a pivotal shift in international diplomacy.
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