French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will recognise a Palestinian state within the next few months. He hinted that this could happen during a UN conference in New York scheduled for June.
Plan for UN Conference
Earlier this week, Macron visited Egypt and shared more details in an interview with France 5 television. “We must move towards recognition, and we will do so in the coming months,” he said. Moreover, he explained, “Our aim is to chair this conference with Saudi Arabia in June, where we could finalise this movement of mutual recognition by several parties.”
Reasons Behind the Decision
Furthermore, Macron said he believes the timing is right. “I will do it because I believe that at some point it will be right and because I also want to participate in a collective dynamic, which must also allow all those who defend Palestine to recognise Israel in turn, which many of them do not do,” he added.
Clear Message to Israel’s Opponents
Additionally, Macron said recognition would allow France to send a firm message. “Such recognition would allow France to be clear in our fight against those who deny Israel’s right to exist – which is the case with Iran – and to commit ourselves to collective security in the region,” he explained.
A Major Policy Shift
Historically, France has supported a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Even after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, France maintained that stance. However, formal recognition of a Palestinian state would mark a major shift in policy and could strain ties with Israel, which opposes such recognition by foreign powers.
Palestinians Welcome the Move
Meanwhile, Palestinian leaders welcomed the announcement. “France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood would be a step in the right direction in line with safeguarding the rights of the Palestinian people and the two state solution,” Palestinian minister of state for foreign affairs Varsen Aghabekian Shahin told AFP.
So far, nearly 150 countries have recognised Palestine. For instance, in May 2024, Ireland, Norway, and Spain announced recognition, and Slovenia followed in June. These decisions were partly in response to Israel’s bombing of Gaza after the October 7 attacks.
Notably, France would become the most powerful European country to recognise Palestine. The United States, however, still resists taking that step.
Macron Rejects Displacement or Annexation
During his Egypt visit, Macron also met with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. There, he made it clear that he opposes any forced displacement of Palestinians or land annexation in Gaza and the West Bank.
Response to Trump’s Gaza Proposal
At the same time, Macron addressed a controversial idea proposed by US President Donald Trump. Trump had suggested turning Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East” and relocating Palestinians elsewhere.
In response, Macron said, “The Gaza Strip was not a real estate project.” He continued, “Simplistic thinking sometimes doesn’t help.” Addressing Trump directly, he added, “Perhaps it would be wonderful if one day it developed in an extraordinary way, but our responsibility is to save lives, restore peace, and negotiate a political framework.”
No Investment Without Peace
Finally, Macron warned that without a political solution, economic progress is impossible. “If all this doesn’t exist, no one will invest. Today, no one will invest a cent in Gaza,” he said.