French President: I’ve decided to officially recognize the State of Palestine

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday France’s decision to officially recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly scheduled to be held next September.

Macron said on his X account, “In fulfillment of France’s historic commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided to officially recognize the State of Palestine”.

He added that the official announcement will be made during the UN General Assembly sessions next month.

Macron stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the provision of urgent and extensive humanitarian aid to the residents of the Gaza Strip.

He explained that this must be accompanied by efforts to disarm Hamas, secure the Gaza Strip, and comprehensively rebuild it.

The French President stressed the importance of building a viable Palestinian state that is committed to disarmament and fully recognizes the State of Israel, enabling it to contribute to enhancing security and stability throughout the Middle East.

Macron noted that the French people desire peace in the region, emphasizing France’s responsibility, along with its European and international partners, as well as with the Palestinians and Israelis, to prove that peace is achievable.

He stated that negotiations with the President of the Palestinian Authority were ongoing, and that he had sent him a letter confirming his determination to move forward on this path.

It’s worth noting that Macron had announced the postponement of the international conference dedicated to the two-state solution in the middle of last month, citing logistical and security reasons behind the postponement.

However, he emphasized that this did not mean France was withdrawing its support for the two-state solution, and described the decision to recognize the State of Palestine as a sovereign decision despite Israeli opposition.

Macron also made clear that recognition of the State of Palestine would be linked to basic conditions, most notably the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a demilitarized Palestinian state that recognizes Israel and guarantees its security, with international protection to ensure regional stability.

He considered these conditions the fundamental foundation for achieving Israel’s regional integration.