French President Macron Announces France Will Recognize Palestinian State at UN in September

French President Emmanuel Macron announced today on his official Twitter account that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly this September. The move signals a significant shift in France’s Middle East policy amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.

"Faithful to France's historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine this September," Macron wrote. "The urgency today is that the war in Gaza ends and that the civilian population receives assistance. Peace is possible."

Macron Calls for Ceasefire, Disarmament of Hamas

In his statement, President Macron emphasized several priorities for resolving the conflict, including an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and large-scale humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

He also underscored the need to disarm Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza, and create a demilitarized Palestinian state that fully recognizes Israel.

“The State of Palestine must be built, its viability ensured, and allowed, while accepting demilitarization and full recognition of Israel, to contribute to the security of all residents of the Middle East. There is no alternative,” Macron said.

France Aligns With European Moves

France's announcement follows a similar move in May by Spain, Norway, and Ireland, which formally recognized the Palestinian state amid growing international frustration over the Gaza war and the lack of progress toward a two-state solution.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said at the time, “We must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for both Israelis and Palestinians: two states, living side by side in peace and security.”

He described recognition of Palestine as a way to support “moderate forces” weakened by the “brutal and prolonged war,” and called it a “strong message” to encourage other countries to follow suit.

Ireland Stresses Historic Significance

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris also highlighted the symbolic weight of state recognition, noting its importance to Ireland given its own struggle for sovereignty.

“Taking our place on the world stage and being recognized by others as having the right to be there was a matter of paramount importance to the founders of our country,” Harris said.

He reaffirmed Ireland’s unequivocal recognition of Israel and its right to exist in “security and peace with its neighbors,” while also calling for the immediate return of all Israeli abductees from Gaza.

 “Peace Is Possible”

President Macron concluded his statement with a call for international cooperation.

“The French want peace in the Middle East. We, the French, together with the Israelis, the Palestinians, our European and international partners, must prove that it is possible,” he wrote. “In light of the commitments that the President of the Palestinian Authority made to me, I wrote to him expressing my determination to move forward. We will achieve peace.”