France has announced its intention to officially recognize Palestine as a sovereign state during the upcoming UN General Assembly session in September. President Emmanuel Macron informed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a formal letter, calling this step essential for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
This move makes France the first major Western power to extend such recognition, especially significant given its large populations of both Jews and Muslims.
However, the decision triggered backlash from both Israel and the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called it “a reward for terrorism,” while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled it “a propaganda victory for Hamas.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot responded, clarifying that France’s recognition opposes Hamas and instead supports a peaceful two-state solution, something Hamas rejects.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia welcomed France’s move, urging other nations to follow suit. Spain, which has already recognized Palestine, praised France’s decision, emphasizing the need for global alignment on the two-state solution.
Canada also called on Israel to ease humanitarian access in Gaza and criticized violations of international law.
France’s bold step may reshape the global diplomatic landscape and pressure other Western nations to
