French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will officially recognise the State of Palestine, a move he described as “solemn” and necessary, amid intensifying international outrage over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Macron declared that he would formalise the decision during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September.
“The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved,” Macron stated. “Peace is possible.”
The decision follows months of growing frustration in Paris over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, particularly as reports of mass displacement and starvation continue to emerge.
“Given its historic commitment to a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the state of Palestine,” he wrote.
He also published a letter addressed to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, outlining France’s position.
Fidèle à son engagement historique pour une paix juste et durable au Proche-Orient, j’ai décidé que la France reconnaîtra l’État de Palestine.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 24, 2025
J’en ferai l’annonce solennelle à l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies, au mois de septembre prochain.… pic.twitter.com/7yQLkqoFWC
France will become the most influential European country to formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Over 140 countries worldwide, including more than a dozen in Europe, have already recognised the State of Palestine. However, France’s diplomatic weight and permanent seat on the UN Security Council gives this decision heightened international significance.
Macron’s announcement is likely to place pressure on other major Western powers, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States, all of whom have thus far refused to extend recognition to Palestine, despite mounting global calls to do so.
It also underscores the increasing international isolation of the Israeli government, particularly as evidence of war crimes and mass civilian casualties in Gaza continues to draw global condemnation.