France has officially recognized a Palestinian state, joining a growing international consensus. President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the United Nations in New York, emphasized that “the time for peace has come” and strongly condemned the current conflict in Gaza, stating that “nothing justifies the ongoing war in Gaza.”
Macron revealed that Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, and San Marino would also formally recognize a Palestinian state, following similar recent announcements from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal. This collective action highlights increasing global pressure on Israel regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza and settlement expansion in the West Bank.
Israel has voiced strong opposition to this recognition, arguing that it rewards Hamas for the October 7th attacks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that there will be no Palestinian state west of the Jordan River, and President Isaac Herzog warned that such recognition would “embolden the forces of darkness.”
The French President also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for the release of all remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas. He cautioned against the dangers of “endless wars” and stressed the importance of justice prevailing over power. Macron asserted that the international community has failed to establish lasting peace in the Middle East and that all efforts must be made to preserve the viability of a two-state solution, allowing both Israel and Palestine to coexist securely.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, speaking on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, echoed this sentiment, reaffirming that a two-state solution is the only path to sustained peace in the region.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation in Gaza as “morally, legally and politically intolerable” and reinforced the two-state solution as the “only credible path” to peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, addressing the UN via video link, advocated for a permanent ceasefire. He also stated that Hamas should not have a role in governing Gaza and called for the group to surrender its weapons to the Palestinian Authority. Abbas envisioned “one unified state without weapons.”
Macron further indicated France’s willingness to contribute to a “stabilisation mission” in Gaza and suggested a transitional administration involving the Palestinian Authority to manage Hamas’s dismantling. He noted that France would only establish an embassy to a Palestinian state once all hostages are released and a ceasefire is in place.
Despite a government directive for neutrality, several French towns flew Palestinian flags in solidarity. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations also occurred across Italy, where the government had previously expressed concerns that recognizing a non-existent state could be counterproductive. In Germany, the government has indicated that while Palestinian statehood is not currently on the immediate agenda, the process for its recognition must commence.