France Recognizes Palestinian State, Joins International Wave Amidst Gaza War

France Recognizes Palestinian State at UN, Sparking International Movement

In a move hailed as historic, French President Emmanuel Macron announced France's recognition of the State of Palestine at the United Nations (UN) in New York on Monday, September 22, 2025. This declaration has spurred a wave of similar recognitions from other nations, defying Israel's opposition and aiming to salvage the "two-state solution."

Macron's Announcement and International Response

Speaking at a summit co-organized with Saudi Arabia, Macron called for an end to the war in Gaza, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. He stated that France would not open an embassy in Palestine until a ceasefire is in place and all hostages are released. The Palestinian Authority celebrated the decision as "historic and courageous." Several other countries followed suit, including Luxembourg, Andorra, Monaco, Malta, San Marino, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal.

Reactions from Israel and the United States

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed not to allow a Palestinian state, while Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon condemned the recognitions, stating that "They are not promoting peace. They are supporting terrorism." The United States, through White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, expressed disagreement, believing it rewards Hamas.

The War in Gaza and Calls for Peace

The ongoing conflict, triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Macron emphasized that nothing justifies the continuing war in Gaza and urged for a durable ceasefire to secure the release of hostages and end the suffering. He also stated recognizing a Palestinian state was a defeat for Hamas. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that recognition is a right of Palestine, not a reward.

The Palestinian Authority's Role

Mahmoud Abbas, leader of the Palestinian Authority, called on Hamas to surrender its weapons. Addressing the people of Israel, he said, "Our future and yours depends on peace. Enough war." The Palestinian Authority seeks to reform governance, disarm Hamas, and hold elections.

Limited Practical Effect and Future Implications

Despite the symbolic significance of these recognitions, the practical impact remains uncertain. Experts like Max Rodenbeck from the International Crisis Group warn that recognizing Palestine as a state risks becoming a distraction from the reality of accelerating the erasure of Palestinian life in their homeland unless backed by concrete measures. While support for Palestinian statehood is growing globally, divisions remain, particularly within the United Nations Security Council, where the United States holds veto power. Germany, Italy, and Japan, while critical of Israel's actions, have declined to recognize a Palestinian state.