France to recognise Palestine amid global pressure
French President Emmanuel Macron declared that France will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, as reported by Al-Monitor on July 24th.
This move positions France as the most influential European power to make such a commitment. A significant step of individuality for France, away from other Western powers who France and UK have been suspected of not wanting to upset for geopolitical positioning rather than moral outcry. 142 countries that have recognised or pledged to recognise Palestinian statehood.
However, this is a change since as recently as early June the French Foreign Minister tempered any hope of recognition of the Palestinian state. Likewise, in May, an Israeli minister suggested the seizure of more territories across the West Bank if France or the UK were to recognise Palestine.
The United States strongly opposes the move. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised it as a “reckless decision (that) only serves Hamas propaganda” and “a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.”
Following Hamas’s 2023 attacks, Israel responded with a prolonged assault on Gaza. In that time, international recognition of Palestine has steadily increased. Macron’s announcement provoked condemnation in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed it “rewards terror” and suggesting it would serve as “a launch pad to annihilate Israel – not to live in peace beside it.”
Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh called the pledge “a reflection of France’s commitment to international law.” Hamas also welcomed it as “a positive step in the right direction toward doing justice to our oppressed Palestinian people.”
On the ground, Palestinians in the occupied West Bank expressed hope. Mahmoud al-Ifranji described France’s decision as “a moral commitment,” while Nahed Abu Taima said it could lead to wider international recognition and peace.
Macron emphasised the urgency of ending the war and alleviating suffering in Gaza. He wrote, “We must finally build the State of Palestine… by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel.”
Other nations, including Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Slovenia, have already recognised Palestine. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said a ceasefire would “put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state.” Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Ireland praised France’s stance.
Al-Monitor, Maghrebi.org, BBC
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