French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged that France will officially recognize a Palestinian state later this month the declaration, to be issued during the United Nations General Assembly meeting, triggered hot reactions all over the world.
While Palestinian leaders and Hamas approved the step, Israeli leaders hotly opposed it, Macron added that now the attention has to be drawn towards peace, demilitarization of Hamas, and humanitarian assistance in Gaza. France’s action will make it the first G7 country to make this stance, marking a major diplomatic change in the Middle East.
Macron Links Recognition to Peace Efforts
During his address, Macron put particular emphasis on the necessity of an immediate end to the Gaza war and the saving of its civilian population “Peace is possible,” he declared. He demanded an urgent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and huge humanitarian assistance. Macron also appended a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas affirming France’s decision. Macron explained that following recognition, international attention must be turned towards Hamas’ militarization.
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
Palestinian Leaders and Hamas Welcome Move
Palestinian Authority leaders welcomed the move with their approval, Hussein al-Sheikh, the President Abbas’s deputy, hailed the move as a demonstration of France’s support for Palestinian self-determination and international law. Hamas also hailed it as a “positive step,” calling other countries to recognize Palestine and uphold their right to statehood.
Israel Slams France’s Decision
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu roundly criticized Macron’s statement he decried the acknowledgment as “a reward for terror” and threatened that it puts an existential threat to Israel. “The Palestinians do not want a state beside Israel; they want a state in place of Israel,” Netanyahu declared. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar echoed these words when he claimed that “a Palestinian state will be a Hamas state.” Justice Minister Yariv Levin labeled the move “direct aid to terrorism” and a “black mark on the history of France.”
US Joins in Criticism
The US also condemned the move; US Secretary of State Marco Rubio termed the move “reckless.” He added that it empowers the propaganda of Hamas and belittles peace. Rubio further said that the move insults the victims of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
