France will officially recognise the State of Palestine in September, President Emmanuel Macron announced.

This move will make France the first country among the G7 group of major industrialised nations to do so. The official announcement will be made during the UN General Assembly session in New York.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Macron wrote: “The urgent need today is for the war in Gaza to end and for the civilian population to be rescued. Peace is possible. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.”

He added that France, remaining true to its historic commitment to a lasting peace in the Middle East, will recognise the State of Palestine.

He emphasised the need for the demilitarisation of Hamas, the reconstruction of Gaza, and the eventual recognition of Israel by Palestine.

“Finally, we must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East. There is no alternative.”

Macron also attached a letter addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming the decision.

The Palestinian leadership welcomed the move. Hussein al-Sheikh, deputy to President Abbas, said: “This position 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.” 

Hamas also praised the decision as a “positive step in the right direction,” urging other nations to follow France’s lead.

US and Israel Reaction

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposed the announcement.

He stated: “We strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the 7 October massacre. A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel – not to live in peace beside it. Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel.”

The United States also rejected Macron’s announcement. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the decision “reckless” and stated the US “strongly rejects” it.

European and Arab States Reaction

In the UK, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer responded by stating he would hold an “emergency call” with French and German leaders to find ways to stop the violence.

He said: “Statehood is an inalienable right of the Palestinian people,” and that a ceasefire would “put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution.”

The UK foreign affairs committee also urged immediate recognition of Palestine, saying: “An inalienable right should not be made conditional,” and warned that the window to recognise a viable Palestinian state may be closing.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry welcomed France’s step, stating it “reaffirms the international community’s consensus on the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.”

Ongoing Conflict in Gaza

France’s announcement comes amid continued conflict in Gaza. Since Hamas’s attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages, Israel has carried out extensive military operations in Gaza.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 59,106 people have died in the territory, and much of the area has been destroyed.

UN agencies have raised alarms over a growing humanitarian crisis. The UN’s Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) reported that one in five children in Gaza City is now malnourished.

Over 100 international aid and human rights organisations have warned of mass starvation.

Israel denies enforcing a siege on Gaza and blames Hamas for the situation, stating that it is responsible for the lack of aid reaching civilians.