President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will formally recognise a Palestinian state this September at the United Nations General Assembly. The move, which he says is rooted in France’s historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, marks a significant diplomatic shift from a major Western power. In a public letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron confirmed his intention and expressed hopes that the decision would encourage other nations to do the same.
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This announcement has stirred strong reactions, particularly from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, arguing that recognising a Palestinian state under current conditions would reward terrorism and embolden Iran’s influence. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz echoed the criticism, calling the recognition “a disgrace” and warning it could undermine Israel’s security. The Israeli government has been lobbying against such recognition, warning of serious consequences for bilateral relations with France.
In Washington, the United States reiterated its opposition to unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, citing risks to American foreign policy interests. Macron’s decision follows months of consideration and was initially linked to a planned UN conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. That summit was postponed due to regional instability but has now been rescheduled as a ministerial event later this month, with a high-level meeting to follow in September. French officials hope the announcement will help build consensus among countries still undecided on Palestinian statehood.
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Despite opposition from allies such as the UK and Canada, Macron appears committed to pushing ahead. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the announcement, with Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh describing it as a reaffirmation of international law and Palestinian rights. With more than 40 foreign ministers expected in New York next week, France’s stance could influence the tone and direction of the upcoming discussions. However, Israeli officials warn that any such move risks severely damaging diplomatic ties and may provoke new tensions in an already volatile region.
