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France to recognise Palestinian state, Netanyahu calls move 'reward for terror'
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that the country will officially recognise a Palestinian state in September, angering many Israeli leaders.
The president said that a formal announcement on the same would be made at a United Nations General Assembly session. 'The urgent need today is for the war in Gaza to end and for the civilian population to be rescued. Peace is possible. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza,' Macron wrote.
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While Palestinian leaders and Hamas welcomed the move, it drew strong condemnation from Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called it a 'reward for terror'.
Macron said that following the recognition of the Palestinian state, focus should be on the militarisation of Hamas. The president attached a letter addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming his decision.
'The French people want peace in the Middle East. It is our responsibility — as French citizens, alongside Israelis, Palestinians, and our European and international partners — to prove that peace is possible,' Macron said.
Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine.
I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September.… pic.twitter.com/VTSVGVH41I — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 24, 2025
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