In a recent move, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has said his country would formally recognise the State of Palestine during a UN meeting in September. This is one of the most powerful European countries to announce such a move.
At least 142 countries now recognise or plan to recognise Palestinian statehood — though Israel and the United States strongly oppose the moves.
Macron disclosed this via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday evening.
The French President said: “Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine.
“I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September.
“The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and to bring relief to the civilian population.
“Peace is possible.
“We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza. And finally, we must build the State of Palestine, guarantee its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the region.
“There is no alternative.
“The French people want peace in the Middle East. It is our responsibility — as French citizens, alongside Israelis, Palestinians, and our European and international partners — to prove that peace is possible.
“In light of the commitments made to me by the President of the Palestinian Authority, I have written to him to express my determination to move forward.
“Trust, clarity, and resolve.
“We will achieve peace.”
Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the move, saying it “reflects France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state.”
Spain, Ireland, Norway and Slovenia all announced recognition following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, along with several other non-European countries.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed 59,587 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.
Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
