France Recognizes State of Palestine

In a historic shift in foreign policy, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine. The declaration, made in a statement released earlier this week, comes amid increasing global pressure to address the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and revive stalled peace efforts in the Middle East.

"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," Macron stated. "I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September."

Macron emphasized that the immediate priority must be ending the war in Gaza.

"The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and to bring relief to the civilian population. Peace is possible," he said. "We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza."

The French president outlined a roadmap that includes demilitarizing Hamas, securing and rebuilding Gaza, and building a viable Palestinian state that recognizes Israel and contributes to regional security. "There is no alternative," he stressed.

Macron added, "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.”