France Moves to Recognize Palestinian State Amidst EU Divisions

Thu Oct 16 2025 21:05:06 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

President Emmanuel Macron announces France's intention to formally recognize a Palestinian state, initiating a significant diplomatic shift while Germany and Italy remain hesitant.

In a bold diplomatic move, President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would officially recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly. This decision, presented as a 'necessity' for peace, contrasts with the stances of Germany and Italy, who are currently not supporting such recognition. The announcement is seen as a significant step towards a proposed political process aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts in the region. Israel has criticized the move, calling it a reward for Hamas, while Macron emphasizes his country's commitment to a two-state solution.

President Emmanuel Macron will formally recognise a Palestinian state in New York on Monday, backed by several other European countries, describing France's move as a necessity.

Coming hard on the heels of a decision by the UK, Canada, and Australia, Macron emphasised that his move would be the 'beginning of a political process and a peace and security plan for everybody'.

France, like the UK, carries considerable diplomatic weight as both a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the G7, and is co-ordinating the push with Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of this week's UN General Assembly.

Paris will not be joined by two of the other big European states in the G7, Germany and Italy, and not by the US either.

Israel has denounced the move as a reward for Hamas, with its UN ambassador calling Monday's event a circus. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists there will be no Palestinian state to the west of the River Jordan.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that the recognition is a 'categorical rejection' of Hamas but symbolically demonstrates France's commitment to the two-state solution.

Macron's declaration comes as several other European countries are also set to recognize a Palestinian state, with Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Portugal anticipated to follow suit.

Ahead of Macron's announcement, the Palestinian and Israeli flags were displayed on the Eiffel Tower, with pro-Palestinian protests occurring in Italy against Giorgia Meloni's government, which views recognizing a state 'that does not exist' as counterproductive.

Despite the potential for backlash, Macron's plan includes a phased approach to peace, focused on isolating Hamas and establishing stability in Gaza before addressing governance and statehood.