France has formally recognised the State of Palestine, joining a growing list of Western nations that have taken the historic step ahead of the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York.
The announcement was made on Monday during a high-level UN meeting co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at reviving the two-state solution as the only viable path to peace between Israel and Palestine. Alongside France, five other European countries — Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and Monaco — also declared their recognition of Palestinian statehood.
This comes on the heels of similar recognition by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal, which all endorsed Palestine’s sovereignty in the days leading up to the summit.
President Emmanuel Macron defended France’s move, describing it as a bold step toward peace and stability in the region. “Recognising the State of Palestine is not a symbolic gesture; it is a necessary act to preserve the two-state solution and to give hope to millions of people,” he said.
France, however, clarified that it would not establish an embassy in Palestine until certain conditions are met, including the release of hostages held in Gaza and the implementation of a ceasefire. French officials also unveiled a plan to support the establishment of a “renewed Palestinian Authority” after the war, potentially backed by international stabilisation forces to assist in governance, particularly in Gaza.
The recognition marks a significant shift in Western diplomacy. Before this week, 147 of the 193 UN member states had already recognised Palestine. With the latest additions, the number has grown, giving fresh momentum to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s long-standing demand for full UN membership. Abbas, who addressed the meeting via video after being denied a U.S. visa, called on other nations to follow suit and end what he described as decades of injustice.
Reactions have been swift. Israel condemned France’s decision, arguing that recognising Palestine outside of direct negotiations rewards Hamas and undermines peace efforts. The Israeli government has hinted at diplomatic countermeasures. The United States also expressed concern, with officials warning that recognition under the current circumstances could complicate ceasefire negotiations and efforts to end the war.
For Palestinians, however, the move represents a diplomatic breakthrough. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the recognition, saying it restores hope in the international community’s commitment to justice, sovereignty and peace.
As world leaders gather in New York for the UNGA, France’s recognition of Palestine is expected to dominate discussions, potentially reshaping global alliances and intensifying debate over how to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.
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