French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will officially recognise the State of Palestine, a move he says aims to help end the war in Gaza and address the worsening humanitarian crisis.
The recognition will be formalised at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
"The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved," Macron posted on social media, adding, "Peace is possible."
France becomes the most influential European country to declare such recognition. More than 140 of the UN’s 193 member states already recognise Palestine, but France's shift is viewed as a major development given its global political weight.
The decision follows months of rising international condemnation over the conflict in Gaza and growing frustration in Paris with Israel’s military campaign. Macron had initially expressed support for Israel following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, but has since become increasingly vocal in urging restraint and humanitarian access.
In a letter shared publicly, Macron informed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of France's decision. Palestinian officials welcomed the move, with senior PLO official Hussein al-Sheikh calling it “a reflection of France’s commitment to international law and the Palestinian right to self-determination.”
Hamas also welcomed the development, calling it a “positive step” and urging other countries, particularly in Europe, to follow France’s lead.
Israel sharply criticised Macron’s decision. Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin called it “a black mark on French history” and claimed it would embolden terrorism. He added that it was time for Israel to extend its sovereignty over the West Bank, territory it has occupied since 1967.
France's announcement comes amid increased scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Earlier this week, France and more than two dozen countries condemned Israeli restrictions on aid shipments and the deaths of civilians attempting to access food.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney also weighed in, condemning Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid and reaffirming support for a two-state solution. “Canada calls on all sides to negotiate an immediate ceasefire in good faith,” he said.
Spain, which recognised Palestine earlier this year, welcomed France’s move. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said both countries must work to "protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy."
The recognition comes as France prepares to co-host a conference on the two-state solution at the United Nations next week. Macron has consistently called for parallel recognition of both Palestinian and Israeli states, with security guarantees for both sides.
The Palestinians seek an independent state comprising the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, all territories captured by Israel in the 1967 war. Israel has built settlements in the West Bank that now house over 500,000 Israeli citizens, while more than 3 million Palestinians live under military occupation.
Macron’s decision is expected to intensify pressure on Western countries that have not yet recognised Palestine, including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
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