France to Recognise Palestinian State at UN
On July 24, 2025, President Emmanuel Macron said he will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September. He made the announcement in a post on X, where he said that France will keep its pledge to help find a lasting peace in the Middle East and that he will make the declaration in person at the world body’s meeting this fall.
This move marks France as the largest major European nation to plan such recognition, after Ireland, Spain and Norway signalled similar intentions. Source: Reuters.com
Context of the Decision
France has long backed a two state outcome to end the decades old conflict, but powerful Western allies have balked at formal recognition of a Palestinian state. The United States, the United Kingdom and Germany have all held back, arguing that such a step might harm efforts to restart talks.
At least 142 of the 193 UN member states already call Palestine a state or plan to do so, but that list remains short on the world’s top powers. Macron’s announcement comes amid rising concern in Europe over civilian losses and a deepening hunger crisis in Gaza that has followed months of violent conflict and heavy restrictions on aid.
What This Means for Europe and the Middle East
By taking this step, France will join a growing group of European governments that see recognition as a way to push for renewed negotiations. Leaders in Dublin and Madrid have framed the move as a tool to encourage Israel and the Palestinians to return to direct talks.
At the same time, Israel’s government condemned Macron’s plan, calling it a reward for terror and a threat to its security. Israel’s prime minister warned that a Palestinian state under current conditions could side with hostile actors in the region.
Reactions from World Leaders
The Palestinian Authority applauded Macron’s choice, saying it shows support for the rights of Palestinian people to self determination. Hamas also praised the move and urged other nations to follow suit. In contrast, Israel’s prime minister office and defence minister both issued strong statements against the step, saying it will harm Israel’s safety and reward groups that attack civilians.
Meanwhile, UK leader Keir Starmer said he plans to work with France and Germany to seek a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as a path to eventual recognition of a Palestinian state.
My Personal Analysis
I think this decision may disrupt old patterns and prompt fresh talks, but it also risks harder lines from leaders who view any change as a threat. France could use its announcement as leverage to push all parties to agree on basic terms for peace. That may sound hopeful, and it may also inflame tensions if Israel sees this as pure politics rather than a nudge toward compromise. In either case, September’s moment at the UN will show whether this effort can shift the wider debate or simply deepen old divides.
Sources: Reuters.com
