French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France is considering recognising a Palestinian state, and the move could come as early as June, according to Politico.
In an interview quoted by Politico, Macron stated his intention to push for Palestinian statehood during an upcoming conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at furthering a two-state solution. Macron made it clear that the decision is rooted in a sense of fairness, not political convenience.
“We must move toward recognition, and we will do so in the coming months… I’m not doing it for unity or to please this or that person. I’m doing it because at some point it will be fair,” said the French President.
This statement follows renewed conflict in the region, as Israel resumed airstrikes on Gaza after the breakdown of a two-month ceasefire. Israel also halted humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, worsening the humanitarian crisis, as reported by Politico.
The war, which escalated following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, has caused significant loss of life. Over 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage from the Israeli side, while more than 50,000 people have died in Gaza, according to Politico.
Although France has long supported the two-state solution, it had previously withheld official recognition of Palestine, stating it would only do so if it helped the peace process. Macron’s recent remarks came after his visit to Egypt, where he engaged with Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict.
“I want to believe in peace; today the conflict has intensified and it’s terrible … Since March 2, there’s nothing going in [to the Gaza Strip] — no water, no food, no medication, and none of the injured are coming out,” Macron added.
The potential move is expected to cause tension with Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar have sharply criticised the proposal, claiming that it would embolden Hamas and reward terrorism. Additionally, Crif, the umbrella group representing French Jewish communities, condemned the plan, saying it would politically benefit Hamas while Israeli hostages remain in Gaza.