“The urgency today is to end the war in Gaza and to provide aid to the civilian population. Peace is possible,” he wrote.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday declared France’s decision to formally recognize a Palestinian state.
“True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,” Macron posted on X. He added that the official announcement would be made during the United Nations General Assembly in September.
“The urgency today is to end the war in Gaza and to provide aid to the civilian population. Peace is possible,” he wrote. Macron also emphasized the need for a ceasefire, hostage release, humanitarian aid, and the demilitarization of Hamas.
Israeli leaders strongly condemned the move. Justice Minister Yariv Levin described it as “a black mark on France’s history,” while Avigdor Lieberman called it “a reward for terrorism.” Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett labeled it “a moral collapse.”
Macron concluded: “It is essential to build a viable Palestinian state that recognizes Israel and contributes to regional security.”