In a bold declaration ahead of the UN General Assembly, France's President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed the country's intent to officially recognize the State of Palestine, a move welcomed by Palestinian officials but condemned by Israel.
France to Officially Recognize Palestinian State in UN Assembly
France to Officially Recognize Palestinian State in UN Assembly
Emmanuel Macron announces a landmark decision to acknowledge Palestine as a state amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza.
France's President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming UN General Assembly session set for September. This significant declaration was made via a post on social media platform X, where Macron expressed the urgent need to end the violence in Gaza and provide humanitarian aid. He emphasized the potential for peace, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages.
The Palestinian leadership welcomed this decision, with Abbas’ deputy, Hussein al-Sheikh, interpreting it as a commitment to international law and Palestinian self-determination. However, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz fiercely opposed the recognition, labeling it “a reward for terrorism” and a disgraceful capitulation to Hamas actions.
In his announcement, Macron reaffirmed France's dedication to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. He called for the demilitarization of Hamas and established that a recognized Palestinian state would need to contribute to the safety of all in the region. Currently, over 140 of the 193 UN member states recognize Palestine, although major allies of Israel, including the US and UK, do not.
The backdrop of this announcement involves the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where recent conflicts have resulted in tremendous casualties and suffering. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has denounced the "unspeakable" conditions in Gaza, emphasizing the dire need for intervention as international aid groups warn of impending mass starvation in the region. As tensions continue, the recognition of Palestine serves as both a political milestone and a flashpoint in ongoing international debates surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
