France Takes Bold Step in Palestinian Recognition Amid European Hesitation

Wed Oct 22 2025 04:46:56 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant diplomatic move, President Emmanuel Macron announces France's recognition of a Palestinian state, asserting it as a 'necessity' for peace, despite opposition from Germany and Italy.

During the UN General Assembly in New York, President Emmanuel Macron of France declared his country's support for the recognition of a Palestinian state, labeling it a necessary step towards addressing the ongoing conflict. This decision follows similar announcements from the UK, Canada, and Australia, positioning France as a leader in European diplomacy on this issue. However, Macron's initiative has drawn criticism from Israel and faces hesitation from key European allies, Germany and Italy, as they emphasize a different timeline for recognizing Palestinian statehood.

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 said 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, and its UN ambassador has called Monday's event a circus.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted there will be no Palestinian state to the west of the River Jordan, and President Isaac Herzog said recognising one would only 'embolden the forces of darkness'.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot was adamant that his country's move was a 'categorical rejection' of Hamas but said it was 'symbolic, immediate, and political, demonstrating France's commitment to the two-state solution'.

French officials expect recognition to be extended by Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, and San Marino, while Portugal has already made its own declaration.

A number of other European countries have recognised a Palestinian state, including Spain and Norway last year, but Macron's move is seen as a gamble by some domestic commentators which might make little difference on the ground.

Ahead of Macron's announcement, the Palestinian and Israeli flags were displayed on the Eiffel Tower on Sunday night. Pro-Palestinian protests occurred across Italy, prompting the government to suggest recognition may be counter-productive.

In Germany, government officials maintain that Palestinian statehood is not currently on the agenda, advocating for a gradual approach to the recognition process.

Political reactions in France show division, with critics characterizing Macron's decision as premature amid ongoing violence.