Will France Officially Recognize the Palestinian State at UN General Assembly?

Paris, July 25 (NationPress) French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine during the forthcoming 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in September.

"The immediate priority is to halt the conflict in Gaza and aid the civilian population," Macron stated on Thursday via his official X account.

He stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and substantial humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Macron highlighted the broader objectives behind France's recognition of Palestine, stating, "We must establish the State of Palestine, ensure its sustainability, and by recognizing its demilitarization and fully acknowledging Israel, contribute to the security of all in the Middle East."

In a formal correspondence to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron emphasized the necessity of achieving the only feasible resolution (the two-state solution) to fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, eradicate terrorism and all forms of violence, and ensure enduring peace and security for Israel and the entire region.

This decision follows Macron's earlier announcement in April, indicating that France would recognize a Palestinian state during an international conference on Palestine, which was co-chaired with Saudi Arabia in New York in June.

However, due to pressure from the United States, this international conference has been postponed until the end of July.

"Currently, the most pressing matter is to cease the conflict in Gaza and assist the civilian population," Macron reiterated.

His remarks emerged amid global outrage regarding the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and the escalating humanitarian crisis.

France would be the first among the Group of Seven major industrialized nations—including the US, Britain, Canada, Germany, Japan, and Italy—to recognize a Palestinian state.

This decision is likely to provoke displeasure from the Trump administration, which supports Israel and is pursuing its own efforts to resolve the conflict in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong opposition to the French decision, condemning it as an endorsement of terrorism and warning that a Palestinian state could become a base for attacks against Israel.

Israel has consistently resisted French recognition of Palestinian statehood, arguing that it would reward Hamas for its terrorism and accusing Macron of leading "a crusade against the Jewish state." The relations between the two nations have soured and are expected to worsen.

This announcement coincided with the US and Israel walking away from ceasefire negotiations in Qatar, blaming Hamas for not acting in good faith.