Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France is moving towards formally recognizing a Palestinian state, a significant policy shift that could materialize “in the coming months.”
Speaking on France 5 television on Wednesday, Macron revealed his intention to finalize the recognition at an upcoming United Nations conference on the Israel-Palestine conflict, which France is set to co-chair with Saudi Arabia in June.
“We must move towards recognition, and we will do so in the coming months,” Macron stated. “I’m not doing it to please anyone. I’ll do it because at some point it will be right.”
Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, welcomed the development, calling it “a step in the right direction” in support of Palestinian rights and the long-standing two-state solution.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned any unilateral recognition, calling it a “boost for Hamas.” Writing on X , Saar said such actions “will not bring peace, security and stability in our region closer – but the opposite.”
France has traditionally advocated for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While Macron reaffirmed Israel’s right to exist and highlighted the importance of regional security, he emphasized that recognizing Palestine would bolster France’s stance against those who deny Israel’s legitimacy, including Iran.
Macron also hinted at a broader diplomatic strategy. He suggested that recognition of Palestine could help create a “collective dynamic,” potentially encouraging some Middle Eastern countries—such as Saudi Arabia, which currently does not recognize Israel—to take reciprocal steps.
Currently, 147 of the 193 UN member states recognize Palestine as a sovereign nation. In 2024 alone, several countries—including Ireland, Norway, Spain, Armenia, Slovenia, and multiple Caribbean nations—joined the list. However, major Western powers such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia continue to withhold recognition.
During a recent visit to Egypt, Macron held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. He reiterated his opposition to any forced displacement or annexation in Gaza or the occupied West Bank.
If France follows through, it will mark a major diplomatic development in the region and could reshape global discussions around Palestinian statehood and Middle East peace efforts.
