French President Emmanuel Macron has formally recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, sparking outrage from the US and Israel, while drawing support from other European nations and international human rights organizations. The move comes amidst growing global condemnation of the Israeli army’s military operations in Gaza, which have left thousands of civilians dead or injured.
Macron’s decision is seen as a moral obligation to address suffering in Gaza, where starvation and killing of civilians are widespread. He has expressed his outrage at Palestinian deaths and stated that France can no longer turn a blind eye to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the enclave.
However, recognition of Palestinian statehood may not have significant impact on the quest for a cease-fire or inspire serious diplomacy focused on the future of Gaza. The US remains opposed to French recognition, with President Trump calling it “a gift to Hamas and a blow to peace.”
The move is also seen as a departure from France’s traditional policy of seeking a simultaneous normalization of relations with Israel by Arab states. Macron has instead chosen to act unilaterally, hoping to build diplomatic momentum behind a two-state outcome.
The Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions has denounced the decision as a “moral transgression” and “diplomatic error.” However, Hamas has welcomed the move, calling on other European nations to follow suit. The Palestinian Authority’s president, Mahmoud Abbas, also expressed gratitude towards Macron for taking a positive step in the right direction.
Macron’s decision reflects the growing global unease over US policies in the Middle East and Ukraine. France has traditionally been close allies with the US, but the Biden administration’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has created tension between the two nations.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/25/world/middleeast/macron-france-palestinian-statehood.html