French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September. This historic decision positions France as the largest and most influential European nation to back Palestinian statehood, following similar moves by Norway, Ireland, and Spain.
Macron’s announcement comes amid increasing European criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza, which has caused severe humanitarian crises. France, along with allies like the UK and Australia, recently condemned Israel’s restrictions on aid to Gaza and called for an immediate end to the conflict.
The decision received praise from the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, who called it a vital step for Palestinian rights and urged other nations to follow. However, Israel’s government sharply opposed the move, claiming it threatens Israeli security and encourages extremism.
Despite France’s recognition and growing global support—now 142 of 193 UN member states—major obstacles remain, including Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian territories and settlement expansions.
