Macron says France will recognise Palestinian state in September

France has announced that it will recognise Palestinian statehood, a move considered a major development in the ongoing Middle East crisis, as global frustration intensifies over Israel’s brutal military assault on Gaza, even among its allies.

French President Emmanuel Macron shared a post on X, stating that France will officially recognise the Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September.

“The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved,” he wrote.

The decision was strongly condemned by Israel, as France , a powerful Western country, chose to acknowledge Palestinian statehood. France hosts the largest Muslim and Jewish populations in Europe and frequently witnesses protests and demonstrations over Israel’s war on Gaza.

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Recently, President Macron has openly criticised Israel’s violence in Gaza, much to Tel Aviv’s displeasure. This latest decision is expected to increase diplomatic pressure on Israel, especially as other European countries have also raised alarms over grave human rights violations in the Palestinian enclave, and may follow France’s lead.

“The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and to bring relief to the civilian population. Peace is possible. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza,” Macron posted.

France to recognise Palestine as a 'state' soon: Macron

Macron also called for the demilitarisation of Hamas and emphasised that efforts must be made to ensure Palestinian statehood remains viable, alongside the recognition of Israel’s right to exist.

Consistent with its 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 solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September.… pic.twitter.com/VTSVGVH41I

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 24, 2025

The Palestinian Authority welcomed Macron’s announcement in a letter shared by Hussein Al Sheikh, Vice President of the Palestine Liberation Organisation under President Mahmoud Abbas.

“This position reflects France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination,” the statement read.

🇵🇸 🇫🇷 “True to its 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 the solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September.

The urgency today is to end the… https://t.co/aUuNuQrF9G

— State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) July 24, 2025