Macron declares: France will recognize a Palestinian state in September

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September.

Macron wrote, "We must build the State of Palestine and ensure that, through its demilitarization and recognition by Israel, it contributes to the security of everyone in the Middle East."

Macron made the announcement on Thursday evening, stating that a "festive" declaration on the matter will be delivered at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September.

In a statement published on his X account (formerly Twitter), Macron wrote, “France remains committed to its historic duty to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine. I will issue a formal declaration at the United Nations General Assembly in September.”

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

According to him, “The urgent need today is to end the war in Gaza and to save the civilian population.”

“Peace is possible,” declared the French president, outlining the conditions he believes will lead to peace: “We must immediately implement a ceasefire, release all the hostages, and provide massive humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza. We must also ensure the disarmament of Hamas, secure Gaza, and begin its reconstruction.”

Macron added: “Finally, we must build the State of Palestine, ensure its existence, and guarantee that by disarming it and securing its full recognition by Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East. There is no alternative,” he asserted. “In light of the commitments given to me by the President of the Palestinian Authority, I wrote to him and expressed my determination to move forward.”

Meanwhile, the French Consul in Jerusalem delivered a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas regarding the upcoming French recognition announcement.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot noted that he will address the issue at the upcoming "Two-State Solution" conference, scheduled to take place next week.

Macron concluded his announcement by stating, “The French people want peace in the Middle East. Our role, as French people—together with the Israelis, the Palestinians, and our European and international partners—is to prove that it is possible.”

Following the French president’s declaration, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli published a “response on behalf of the Israeli government” - a footage showing Macron’s wife slapping him.