France Becomes First G7 Country To Recognise Palestinian State
President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will formally recognise a Palestinian state this September at the United Nations General Assembly, becoming the first G7 country to do so. In a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron reaffirmed his belief in a two-state solution and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid. Palestinian leaders and allies like Saudi Arabia welcomed the move, calling it a strong stance for international law and peace.
How did other countries react?
Israel's reaction was swift and hostile. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Macron’s decision “a reward for terror,” warning that it would create “another Iranian proxy” on Israel’s borders. Defence Minister Israel Katz echoed the sentiment, calling it a “disgrace.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also slammed the announcement, branding it “reckless” and saying it would only embolden Hamas. The US confirmed it would boycott an upcoming UN conference focused on a two-state solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
Macron’s declaration adds pressure on allies like the UK and Germany, who have so far resisted recognising Palestinian statehood. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Palestinian statehood is an “inalienable right” but insists recognition must follow a ceasefire. With over 140 UN member states already recognising Palestine, Macron's move has reignited a global debate over the path to peace and whether recognition leads the way or follows it.
