French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will formally recognize a Palestinian state during the United Nations General Assembly in September, marking the first major Western country to take this step. Macron confirmed the decision in a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, calling it part of France’s “historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”
The move comes as France seeks to revive the two-state solution amid ongoing conflict in Gaza and heightened regional tensions. France, home to Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim populations, hopes its recognition will encourage other nations to follow suit.
Israel immediately condemned the decision. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that recognition “rewards terror” and could turn Palestine into “a launch pad to annihilate Israel.” Defense Minister Israel Katz called the move “a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism,” insisting Israel would not allow any Palestinian entity that threatens its security.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney urged Israel to pursue peace, criticizing its handling of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and reaffirming support for a two-state solution. Meanwhile, the United States has previously stated opposition to unilateral recognition, signaling potential diplomatic friction.
Macron’s announcement precedes a downgraded ministerial conference in New York, where around 40 foreign ministers will meet to discuss pathways to peace. Diplomatic sources suggest France’s recognition could strain Paris-Tel Aviv relations, with Israel warning of reduced intelligence cooperation and potential West Bank annexation.
Palestinian leaders welcomed the decision, calling it a vital step toward self-determination. The announcement adds momentum to international debates on Palestinian statehood as the Gaza conflict continues to shape Middle East geopolitics.