France Will Recognise Palestinian State, Says President Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that France will officially acknowledge the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly scheduled for September. This declaration marks a significant moment in French foreign policy, as it positions France as the first major Western nation to extend such recognition.

In a message posted on the social media platform X, Macron expressed his hope that this decision would contribute to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. He issued a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, formally detailing France's intentions.

"In line with its historic commitment to fostering a just and durable peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine," Macron stated. He added that he would make a formal announcement of this decision at the UN General Assembly.

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, responded critically to France's decision, claiming it legitimises terrorism and potentially sets the stage for another proxy conflict in the region. Netanyahu asserted, "Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel."

This announcement comes amid increased tensions between Israel and Palestine, and is likely to provoke a backlash from the United States. A diplomatic communication issued from Washington in June had indicated opposition to unilateral declarations of Palestinian statehood. Macron's action poses a challenge to the longstanding US-negotiated peace process in the region.

For several months, Macron had been contemplating official recognition of Palestine as part of an effort to keep the two-state solution viable in international discourse, even amid pressures against the move. French officials had first analysed the implications of this decision ahead of a UN conference, which was initially meant to be co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. This conference aimed to establish a pathway towards Palestinian statehood while ensuring Israel’s security.

However, the conference was postponed following US pressures and in light of a recent conflict that saw airstrikes between Israel and Iran, complicating the participation of some regional representatives. The gathering has since been rescheduled and simplified into a ministerial meeting later this month, with a subsequent event planned for heads of state during the UN General Assembly.

According to diplomatic sources, Macron has faced resistance from allied nations, including the United Kingdom and Canada, in his push for the recognition of Palestine. Approximately 40 foreign ministers are expected to attend the upcoming discussions in New York.

The Palestinian Authority's Vice-President, Hussein al-Sheikh, expressed gratitude towards France, noting Macron’s decision as a reflection of the country’s commitment to international law and its support for Palestinian self-determination. Al-Sheikh stated on X that this recognition is crucial for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, stating, "This is a significant step toward our rights and aspirations as a people."

As the date of the UN General Assembly approaches, Macron's announcement is likely to be a focal point for global discussions surrounding the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the ongoing quest for a diplomatic resolution.