France to Recognize the State of Palestine at the UN
Emmanuel Macron confirmed a major decision. The French president made an announcement on Thursday, July 24. France will officially recognize the State of Palestine next September. Indeed, this recognition will be formalized during the 2025 General Assembly of the UN in New York. Thus, Paris joins a large group of countries that have already taken this diplomatic step. This announcement comes in a tense context marked by a persistent conflict in Gaza and stalled negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
A Diplomatic Turning Point Announced by Emmanuel Macron
Macron described this recognition as a “strong diplomatic act.” According to the French president, the objective is clear: to address the urgency of a lasting peace in the Middle East. He stated: “We must finally build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and allow it, by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East.”
Contrasting International Reactions
The French announcement immediately divided the international community. Israel strongly criticized this move, with Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu calling it “dangerous.” He believes it risks encouraging hostile actors and compromising Israel’s security. The United States also expressed their disagreement, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling this decision “reckless” and contrary to peace efforts.
However, reactions in the Arab world were positive. Saudi Arabia called it a “historic decision” and urged other nations to follow this path. Jordan considers this recognition as “a crucial step” towards Palestinian self-determination. The president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, celebrated it as an “important victory for the Palestinian cause.”
In Europe, positions differ significantly. Germany refuses any immediate recognition, emphasizing the fundamental importance of Israel’s security. Conversely, Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Slovenia support the French approach. Indeed, these countries have recently recognized the Palestinian state.
A Major Diplomatic Development
Currently, about 150 UN member countries recognize the existence of the Palestinian state. This includes mainly countries from the Global South and members of the Non-Aligned Movement. Until now, no G7 power had recognized Palestine. With this decision, France becomes the first G7 country to officially recognize the State of Palestine, which could prompt other European countries to reconsider their position.
Historically, as early as 1988, several states from the Soviet bloc had already recognized Palestine. More recently, some European countries have taken this step in response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the prolonged deadlock in peace negotiations.
Humanitarian Crisis and Political Stalemate
The recognition by Paris comes in a particularly severe humanitarian context. The region has been suffering for nearly two years from a war in Gaza (2024-2025), a deadly conflict exacerbated by a severe blockade. According to Doctors Without Borders, 25% of children aged six months to five years suffer from malnutrition. The situation of displaced populations and healthcare professionals continues to deteriorate.
Recent attempts at negotiations for a ceasefire in Doha ended in failure, as indicated by the American envoy Steve Witkoff. France wants to revitalize the momentum regarding the two-state solution. This initiative is based on UN resolutions 181 and 194, adopted in 1947. The goal remains to enable peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine.
Internal Debate in France
On the national level, this announcement has also sparked debates. On the left, particularly among Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Manuel Bompard, the decision is welcomed but considered overdue. The mayor of Lyon, Grégory Doucet, calls for additional concrete actions.
However, several critical voices are raised. The Crif, the Central Consistory of Israel, and the Chief Rabbi of France have expressed serious concerns, deeming the decision premature without clear security guarantees, such as the release of hostages or the disarmament of Hamas. On the right, François-Xavier Bellamy considers this recognition “useless or counterproductive,” while Christian Estrosi speaks of a victory offered to Hamas.
Real Impact of the Recognition
According to legal expert François Dubuisson, the French recognition does not legally create a state but gives it a clear political existence. For human rights advocates like the NGO France Palestine Solidarité, this decision must be accompanied by concrete measures: pressure on Israel, a halt to colonization, and immediate humanitarian actions.
Towards a Diplomatic Revival?
France’s recognition of Palestine will not immediately resolve the conflict. However, it could reactivate international diplomatic efforts and remind the importance of international law. In New York, in September, France hopes to spark a new dynamic capable of restoring a lasting and equitable peace in the Middle East.