Macron's announcement is met with mixed reactions from Palestinian officials and Israel, as calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Gaza intensify.
France to Officially Recognize Palestinian State, Macron Announces
France to Officially Recognize Palestinian State, Macron Announces
In a significant shift in foreign policy, France's President Emmanuel Macron confirms the recognition of a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly.
France's President Emmanuel Macron has announced that the country will officially recognize the State of Palestine, with the formal declaration set for September during the UN General Assembly session in New York. This decision comes amid escalating violence in Gaza, where civilian casualties are mounting, and humanitarian needs are dire.
In a recent post on the social media platform X, Macron emphasized the urgent need for an end to the hostilities in Gaza, asserting, "The war must stop, and we need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and substantial humanitarian aid for the people suffering in Gaza." His commitment to supporting Palestinian statehood is rooted in France's long-standing dedication to a peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict.
Macron's announcement has resonated positively among Palestinian leaders. Hussein al-Sheikh, Deputy to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, praised the decision, stating it aligns with France's commitment to international law and the Palestinian struggle for self-determination. Conversely, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz condemned the move, labeling it a "disgrace and a capitulation to terrorism," referencing the recent attack by Hamas on Israeli territory.
Currently, over 140 of the 193 UN member states recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, with a few others in Europe, such as Spain, also aligning with this stance. However, key international allies of Israel, including the US and the UK, do not support this recognition, with Israel arguing that such actions undermine the fight against terrorism following the deadly October 7th Hamas attacks.
In the aftermath of these events, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated, with the UN's Palestinian refugee agency reporting alarming levels of malnutrition among children in Gaza City. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the "unspeakable and indefensible" humanitarian conditions facing the Gaza population, describing the ongoing situation as a "catastrophe" that demands urgent global attention and action.
The international community watches closely as France formally adopts its stance on Palestinian statehood, adding complexity to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
