Macron: France to Help Draft Palestinian Constitution - Pledge €100 Million in Gaza Aid

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday that France will assist the Palestinian Authority (PA) in drafting a constitution for a future Palestinian state, following a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Élysée Palace in Paris. The initiative marks another step in the growing international recognition of Palestinian statehood, which has gained momentum since the United Nations General Assembly in September, when several countries formally recognized Palestine.

Macron said the decision reflects France’s commitment to advancing a two-state solution despite Israel’s opposition, and emphasized that the move follows months of escalating tension and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

France and PA to Form Joint Constitutional Committee

The French president announced the creation of a joint Franco-Palestinian committee tasked with drafting a new Palestinian constitution and strengthening governance institutions.

“The committee will work on all aspects of the law — constitution, institutions, and organization,” Macron said. “It will support the development of a new constitutional framework, a draft of which President Abbas presented to me, and will consider all the necessary conditions for establishing a future Palestinian state.”

Macron also pledged €100 million (about $116.6 million) in humanitarian aid to Gaza in 2025, as part of France’s long-term commitment to reconstruction and civilian recovery.

President Abbas thanked Macron for his leadership, stating that the Palestinian Authority remains “committed to a culture of dialogue and peace.” He reiterated his vision of a democratic, unarmed state based on rule of law, transparency, pluralism, and justice.

Abbas also expressed appreciation to U.S. President Donald Trump and other international partners for their efforts to end the Gaza conflict and lead to what he called “the next stage of a stable peace,” including the dismantling of armed groups such as Hamas.

France to Strengthen EU Missions and PA Security

On the security front, Macron announced that France will expand its participation in the EU missions EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS, and will send over 100 security officers to help bolster the PA’s security forces.

“We will not allow Hamas to regain control of Gaza — that would be a collective failure,” Macron declared. “The Palestinian Authority must return to governance, and Hamas must be fully disarmed.”

Support for Elections and Institutional Reform

Macron congratulated Abbas for his commitment to hold presidential and legislative elections within one year of the transition to the second phase of the Trump plan, stressing that candidates linked to violence would be disqualified.

He also praised the Palestinian Authority’s decision to cancel payments to the families of terrorists and to initiate an independent audit to verify compliance. Macron further called for educational reform to ensure Palestinian textbooks meet UNESCO standards and exclude hate speech.

Turning to developments in the West Bank, Macron condemned settler violence and accelerated settlement construction, calling any annexation “a red line.”

“If annexation — partial or full — is implemented, we will respond firmly together with our European partners,” he warned.

He also demanded that Israel immediately transfer tax revenues owed to the PA and restore banking relations between Israeli and Palestinian financial institutions.

“No one can understand a policy that weakens the only partner capable of maintaining security cooperation,” Macron said.

Humanitarian and Reconstruction Commitments

Macron reiterated that the return of all hostages is essential for advancing the next phase of the ceasefire. He confirmed that France will assist in rebuilding Gaza’s healthcare sector, working with the French Development Agency and the Red Cross.

Joint Condemnation of Anti-Semitism

Both leaders condemned the rise in anti-Semitism following the October 7 attacks, stating that “no cause can justify hatred or violence against Jews.”

“Today we open a new phase in relations between France and Palestine,” Macron concluded. “France will play its part — with humanitarian aid, support for Gaza’s security, and a clear path toward two states living side by side in peace.”

Broader Diplomatic Context

France’s formal recognition of a Palestinian state, alongside Britain, Canada, and Australia, aligns with more than 140 countries that have expressed support for Palestinian statehood. The meeting at the Élysée comes amid renewed French diplomatic efforts to promote a comprehensive Middle East peace and security framework following the Sharm el-Sheikh summit and the ministerial consultations held on October 9.