President Emmanuel Macron says France will recognize Palestine at the UN in September 2025.
The decision follows growing support for Palestinian statehood amid rising tensions in Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Macron said the move aligns with France’s long-standing commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. “In keeping with its historic commitment… I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,” he wrote. “I will solemnly announce this at the United Nations General Assembly in September this year.”
This decision positions France as the most influential European country to endorse Palestinian statehood, following similar announcements earlier this year by Norway, Ireland, and Spain. Currently, 142 out of the 193 UN member states have recognized or pledged to recognize Palestine. However, key Western powers, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, continue to withhold recognition.
The development comes amid heightened criticism across Europe of Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, where over 59,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed. Severe restrictions on humanitarian aid have also led to a growing hunger crisis, further intensifying diplomatic tensions.
Earlier this week, France joined the UK, Canada, Australia, and over 20 other nations in issuing a joint statement condemning Israel’s restrictions on aid deliveries and the deaths of civilians attempting to access food. The statement urged an immediate end to the conflict.
Macron’s letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed his intent, drawing praise from Palestinian officials. Hussein al-Sheikh, deputy to President Abbas, called France’s decision a demonstration of “commitment to international law” and the Palestinian right to statehood.
The move was also welcomed by Hamas, which described it as “a positive step” and called on other countries, especially in Europe, to follow France’s lead.
Palestinian statehood was first proclaimed in 1988 by Yasser Arafat during the First Intifada, with Algeria being the first to recognize the declaration. Since then, recognition has grown, particularly among Middle Eastern, African, and some Asian nations.
Nonetheless, the path to Palestinian sovereignty remains a complex one. Israel continues to occupy the Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and has expanded settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law.
Earlier this week, the Israeli Knesset passed a symbolic resolution advocating the formal annexation of the West Bank. Responding to France’s decision, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office denounced it as “a reward for terrorism” and warned it could lead to the creation of another hostile proxy near its borders.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, echoed the condemnation, calling Macron’s announcement “a disgrace” and vowed that Israel “will not allow the establishment of a Palestinian entity” that could threaten its security.
Despite these objections, France appears determined to proceed with formal recognition, setting the stage for a significant diplomatic moment at the UN in September.
