Tracing Palestine's struggle for recognition: From 1948 to 2025
In a post on X, Mr. Macron said the formal recognition would be made at the United Nations General Assembly in September. 'The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved,' he wrote.
Editorial | State for the stateless: on France and Palestinian statehood
France becomes the most influential European nation to take this step. Over 140 countries, including more than a dozen in Europe, already recognise Palestinian statehood.
The move marks a significant shift in France's stance. While Mr. Macron had expressed strong support for Israel following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, he has since become increasingly critical of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, particularly in recent months.
Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the announcement, calling it 'a reflection of France's commitment to international law and support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and statehood.'
France's position carries added weight given its unique demographics: it has both the largest Jewish population and the largest Muslim population in Western Europe. Tensions in the Middle East often echo through protests and unrest on French streets.
The Palestinians seek statehood in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem — territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war. Israel annexed East Jerusalem soon after and has built hundreds of settlements in the West Bank, now home to more than 500,000 Jewish settlers. Around 3 million Palestinians live under Israeli military control there, with limited autonomy granted to the Palestinian Authority in urban areas.
Israel has long opposed Palestinian statehood, with leaders arguing it would reward militants following the deadly Hamas attack in 2023.
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