France will formally recognize the State of Palestine, according to French President Emmanuel Macron, who says the action will help put an end to the war in Gaza and address the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
In September, the United Nations General Assembly will formally recognize the achievement.
Macron wrote on social media that “Peace is possible” and that “the urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved.”
The most powerful nation in Europe to announce such recognition is France. France’s move is seen as a significant development given its international political clout, even though more than 140 of the UN’s 193 member states already recognize Palestine.
The ruling comes after months of growing international censure of the Gaza crisis and mounting dissatisfaction in Paris with Israel’s military assault. Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, Macron first declared his support for Israel. However, he has since become more outspoken in his calls for moderation and humanitarian access.
Macron notified Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of France’s decision in a letter that was made public. Hussein al-Sheikh, a senior PLO official, hailed the action as “a reflection of France’s commitment to international law and the Palestinian right to self-determination.” Palestinian authorities praised the decision.
The decision was also hailed by Hamas, which called it a “positive step” and urged other nations, especially those in Europe, to follow France.
Macron’s action drew harsh criticism from Israel. Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin said it will encourage terrorism and referred to it as “a black mark on French history.” He went on to say that Israel should expand its authority over the West Bank, which it has controlled since 1967.
The announcement from France coincides with heightened criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. France and around two dozen other nations denounced Israeli restrictions on aid supplies and the deaths of civilians trying to obtain food earlier this week.
Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada also voiced his opinion, denouncing Israel’s humanitarian aid embargo and restating his support for a two-state solution. “Canada urges all parties to engage in sincere negotiations for an immediate ceasefire,” he stated.
France’s action was welcomed by Spain, which recognized Palestine earlier this year. Pedro Sanchez, the prime minister of Spain, stated that both nations need to cooperate in order to “protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy.”
The acknowledgment coincides with France getting ready to co-host a two-state solution summit at the UN the following week. Macron has repeatedly demanded that the Israeli and Palestinian governments be recognized in parallel, with security assurances for both.
The West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem—all of which Israel seized during the 1967 war, are part of the Palestinians’ goal for an independent state. Over 500,000 Israeli citizens currently reside in settlements established by Israel in the West Bank, while over 3 million Palestinians are subject to military occupation.
It is believed that Macron’s move will increase pressure on Western nations, such as the US, Germany, and the UK, that have not yet recognized Palestine.
