France Recognizes State of Palestine, Macron Declares at UN

F France has officially recognised the State of Palestine, with President Emmanuel Macron making the announcement today during a speech at the United Nations in New York.

Macron said the decision was a vital step toward peace in the Middle East, while stressing that France would also continue its fight against antisemitism.

“We can no longer wait,” Macron declared. “Recognition of Palestine is a necessary step to break the spiral of violence and secure peace.”

The move places France alongside the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, all of which recently endorsed Palestinian statehood despite heavy pressure from Israel and the United States to hold back.

Israel and U.S. Opposition

Israel has repeatedly warned against such recognition. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed there will be no Palestinian state under his leadership, accused Macron of “rewarding terrorism.” Two far-right members of his government, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, went further, calling for Israel to annex the West Bank outright.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, threatened retaliation, saying: “We will take action. It’s easier to come here and give speeches, take pictures, feel like they are doing something. But they are not promoting peace. They are supporting terrorism.”

The United States, Israel’s closest ally, also opposed France’s decision. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters in Washington that President Donald Trump believed recognition “is a reward to Hamas” and insisted Palestinian statehood can only emerge through negotiations.

Germany also broke ranks with France, Britain, and others, making clear it would not recognise a Palestinian state at this time. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reiterated Berlin’s position that only a negotiated two-state solution can guarantee peace and security.

UN Meeting in New York

More than 140 world leaders are attending this week’s high-level UN sessions. However, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will not be present in person after the United States denied him a visa, forcing him to participate virtually.

Israel has announced it will not attend Tuesday’s emergency UN Security Council meeting on Gaza, citing the Jewish New Year. Officials described the timing as “regrettable.”

Background

The latest wave of recognition comes amid the continuing war in Gaza, which began after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel in October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. Israel responded with a massive military campaign that has left tens of thousands dead and large parts of Gaza in ruins.

France’s declaration is part of mounting international pressure for a two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace, though critics say unilateral recognition risks entrenching divisions rather than resolving them.