French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed Thursday that France intends to formally recognize a Palestinian state, citing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a key factor in the decision.
In a post on X, Macron stated he would move to make the recognition official during the United Nations General Assembly in September. “The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved,” he wrote.
"True to 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 the solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September. The urgency today is to end the war in Gaza and to provide aid to the civilian population. Peace is possible.
"There must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. It is also necessary to ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza. Finally, it is essential to build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and enable it, by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East.
"There is no alternative. The French people want peace in the Middle East. It is up to us, the French, together with the Israelis, the Palestinians, and our European and international partners, to demonstrate that it is possible," the post reads.
The announcement comes as pressure mounts on Israel from a growing list of international allies. Earlier this week, 26 countries—including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, and members of the European Union—issued a joint statement declaring that the war in Gaza “must end now," says the Associated Press.
“The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths,” the statement said. The group also called for a negotiated ceasefire, the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas, and unrestricted humanitarian access to the region.
This is a breaking news story. Refresh for updates.
In a post on X, Macron stated he would move to make the recognition official during the United Nations General Assembly in September. “The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved,” he wrote.
"True to 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 the solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September. The urgency today is to end the war in Gaza and to provide aid to the civilian population. Peace is possible.
"There must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. It is also necessary to ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza. Finally, it is essential to build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and enable it, by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East.
"There is no alternative. The French people want peace in the Middle East. It is up to us, the French, together with the Israelis, the Palestinians, and our European and international partners, to demonstrate that it is possible," the post reads.
The announcement comes as pressure mounts on Israel from a growing list of international allies. Earlier this week, 26 countries—including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, and members of the European Union—issued a joint statement declaring that the war in Gaza “must end now," says the Associated Press.
“The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths,” the statement said. The group also called for a negotiated ceasefire, the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas, and unrestricted humanitarian access to the region.
This is a breaking news story. Refresh for updates.
