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This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
France’s Decision to Recognize the State of Palestine is a diplomatic decision announced by French President Emmanuel Macron on 24 July 2025, declaring that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine. This recognition is planned to be officially declared during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
On 24 July 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on the social media platform X that France would formally recognize the State of Palestine. Macron stated that this recognition would be proclaimed during the United Nations General Assembly scheduled for September 2025. In his post, he emphasized France’s commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Accompanying this announcement were documents including a letter sent to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. In the letter, Macron affirmed that France’s decision was framed within the context of seeking a peaceful resolution and declared that it would be communicated to the international community.
Macron referenced France’s historical obligations toward achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. France has long supported a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders and previously initiated a similar move in 2014, though the proposal submitted to the UN Security Council failed to gain approval.
Macron highlighted the humanitarian impact of the ongoing war in Gaza as a key factor behind the decision. He stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the delivery of comprehensive humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Macron noted that the establishment of a Palestinian state alone would not be sufficient and emphasized the necessity of supporting this process with security guarantees. He called for the disarmament of Hamas, the secure rehabilitation of Gaza, and its reconstruction. He also underscored that for the future Palestinian state to survive, Hamas must lay down its arms, recognize Israel, and contribute to the security of all parties in the region. Macron stated that fulfilling these conditions is essential to establishing lasting peace in the Middle East.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of plans to recognize the State of Palestine. Netanyahu asserted that this decision risks creating a “new proxy state backed by Iran.” He claimed that a Palestinian state would not be a structure capable of coexisting peacefully with Israel but would instead serve as a “launchpad” for its destruction.
Defense Minister Israel Katz labeled the decision as “shameful” and “capitulation to terrorism.” He stated that Israel would not permit the creation of a Palestinian structure that threatens its security.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders as a “fantasy arrangement on our land” and asserted that France cannot guarantee Israel’s security. Saar directed the following remark toward France: “Let them try to achieve this on the streets of Paris.”
Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich argued that France’s recognition decision presented an opportunity to eliminate the idea of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and announced his intention to annex the West Bank in response.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded with sarcasm, posting: “We recognize France as the State of Palestine.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States “strongly rejected” France’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine. Rubio argued that the move serves Hamas’s propaganda and undermines the peace process.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also responded to Macron’s announcement, using sarcastic language on social media. Huckabee suggested that “France will offer the French Riviera as territory for the State of Palestine,” claiming the decision fails to define any borders.
The U.S. Department of State announced it would not attend the “International Conference on Palestine,” co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, scheduled for 28–30 July. Spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated no further comments would be made on the matter.
The U.S. administration had previously informed its allies in a diplomatic note issued in June that it opposes the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, warning that such actions could conflict with U.S. foreign policy.
The letter addressed to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was made public alongside Macron’s post on X. The letter confirmed that France intends to announce its recognition of the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Filistin Deputy President Hussain al-Sheikh welcomed France’s decision, stating that it represents adherence to international law and support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. He also thanked Saudi Arabia for its contributions to this process.
The Hamas leadership evaluated Macron’s announcement regarding recognition of the State of Palestine as a positive step. In its statement, it described the move as a correct step toward acknowledging the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and called on other countries to follow France’s example.
Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defense, Simon Harris, welcomed Macron’s announcement and stated that the decision contributes to the two-state solution. Harris emphasized the need for all parties to intensify efforts to achieve peace and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.
Ireland, along with Norway and Spain, had previously formally recognized Palestine on 28 May 2024.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed France’s announcement of its intention to recognize the State of Palestine in September 2025. The statement described Macron’s decision as “historic” and affirmed that it reflects France’s commitment to international law, UN resolutions, and the two-state solution process.
The ministry also urged other states attending the UN General Assembly to take similar action. It noted that Macron’s decision is the result of ongoing efforts by Arab countries, led by Saudi Arabia, to expand international support for Palestinian diplomacy. The statement recalled that 149 countries have recognized Palestine, including Norway, Ireland, and Spain, which announced formal recognition as of May 2024.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on 24 July 2025 that his country would officially recognize the State of Palestine. He stated that the recognition would be formally declared at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Macron justified the decision in the context of the two-state solution and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Following the announcement, Israel and the United States strongly criticized the decision, while the Palestinian leadership welcomed it.
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July 25, 2025
Announcement and Justification of the Decision
July 25, 2025
National and International Reactions
July 25, 2025
Supportive Statements and International Reactions