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President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that France will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September. The French leader made the announcement on Thursday via social media platforms X and Instagram, framing the move as consistent with France’s long-standing commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Macron stated that this decision aligns with France’s historic support for a two-state solution and is intended to help pave the way for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine. I will make a formal announcement at the United Nations General Assembly in September,” he declared.
With France’s planned recognition, the number of countries acknowledging Palestinian statehood rises to 142, based on an AFP count. While many nations back such recognition, it continues to face staunch opposition from both Israel and the United States.
France will become the most influential European nation to grant formal recognition to a Palestinian state. In his statement, Macron emphasised that the immediate priority is ending the war in Gaza and delivering urgent aid to the civilian population.
He also underlined the importance of building a viable Palestinian state that embraces demilitarisation and mutual recognition with Israel. “We must finally build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability and enable it, by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East,” Macron added.
