French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France is preparing to formally recognize a Palestinian state in the coming months, potentially as early as June during a United Nations conference in New York. This move would represent a major shift in French foreign policy and could position France as the most prominent European nation to take this step in support of the two-state solution.
In an interview broadcast on France 5 television on Wednesday, Macron stated, “We must move towards recognition, and we will do so in the coming months.” He added that France plans to co-chair the UN conference alongside Saudi Arabia, with the goal of facilitating mutual recognition between Israel and Palestine.
Macron emphasized that the decision is rooted in France’s commitment to long-term peace in the Middle East, not in an effort to appease any particular party. “I will do it because I believe it is the right time, and because I want to contribute to a collective dynamic—one that also pushes supporters of Palestine to recognize Israel, which many currently do not,” he said.
He also underlined that this recognition would strengthen France’s position against those who deny Israel’s right to exist—specifically referencing Iran—and would reinforce regional security cooperation.
Palestinian leaders have welcomed the announcement. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Palestine’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, told AFP that France’s move would be “a step in the right direction” and aligned with the ongoing pursuit of a two-state solution that guarantees Palestinian rights.
Although nearly 150 countries have recognized Palestinian statehood—including Ireland, Norway, Spain, and Slovenia earlier in 2024—France’s endorsement would carry considerable weight given its influence in the European Union and global diplomacy. The United States, meanwhile, has maintained its opposition to unilateral recognition, arguing it should be achieved through direct negotiations.
The shift in France’s stance follows months of heightened tensions and violence in the region, including Israel’s military response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Macron reiterated France’s longstanding opposition to any attempts at forced displacement or territorial annexation in Gaza and the West Bank.
During his recent visit to Egypt, Macron held discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. The leaders emphasized the urgency of restoring peace and creating a credible political framework for negotiations.
Responding to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Gaza could be transformed into a “Riviera of the Middle East,” Macron pushed back firmly, saying, “Gaza is not a real estate project.” He added, “Our priority is to save lives, restore peace, and establish a political framework. Without that, no one will invest a cent in Gaza.”
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