French President Emmanuel Macron has declared that France will officially recognise Palestine as a state, a significant diplomatic step responding to growing global outrage over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The announcement was met with swift condemnation from Israel, which has long rejected Palestinian statehood. Macron intends to formalise this recognition at the United Nations General Assembly in September, emphasising the urgency for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians in Gaza.
France’s decision positions it as the largest Western nation to acknowledge Palestine’s statehood, potentially encouraging other countries to follow suit. Currently, over 140 nations recognize Palestine, including several European states. The Palestinians aspire to establish a sovereign state in the territories of the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, which Israel has controlled since the 1967 Middle East war.
Israel’s political leaders voiced strong opposition, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemning Macron’s declaration as a move that could embolden terrorism and endanger Israel’s security. In contrast, the Palestinian Authority welcomed the announcement, expressing gratitude towards Macron for recognising their rights and aspirations for self-determination.
This declaration comes in the wake of intensified violence in Gaza, following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Macron’s stance reflects a broader dissatisfaction with Israel’s military actions in the region, as he has previously voiced support for Israel while also advocating for a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East.
As the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates, Macron, along with leaders from Britain and Germany, is set for urgent discussions to address food shortages and the ongoing conflict. The international community broadly supports the idea of a two-state solution as a means to resolve the protracted conflict, with Macron pushing for recognition of Palestinian statehood alongside Israel’s right to defend itself.
In recent days, France and numerous European nations condemned Israel’s tight controls on aid to Gaza, where civilians are suffering from starvation and violence. Macron has reiterated his commitment to recognising Palestine, a pledge he made earlier, which underscores France’s historical dedication to peace in the Middle East.
As multinational diplomacy unfolds, the call for ceasefire negotiations and a resolution to the plight of millions living under occupation takes on increasing urgency amid the unfolding humanitarian crisis.