In a bold move set to shake global diplomacy, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognise the state of Palestine this September at the UN General Assembly, igniting fierce backlash from Israel and the United States.
Posting the declaration on X, Macron shared a letter addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, vowing to push recognition forward and rally international allies.
“France is committed to a just peace. I will make this declaration in September at the UN,” Macron wrote.
If carried out, France would become the first major Western power to endorse Palestinian statehood, potentially shifting global momentum long dominated by smaller nations.
But the fallout was immediate.
🇮🇱 Israel Lashes Out
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu called the move “a reward for terror”, accusing France of emboldening Hamas and risking another Iranian-backed proxy state.
“A Palestinian state in these conditions is not a peace partner—it’s a launchpad for Israel’s destruction,” he warned.
Defense Minister Israel Katz went further, branding it “a disgrace” and a “surrender to terrorism.”
🇺🇸 Washington Joins the Rebuke
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio slammed Macron’s plan as “reckless,” accusing him of undermining peace and playing into Hamas propaganda.
“This is a slap to the victims of October 7th,” Rubio posted on X.
🇨🇦 Canada Chimes In—With a Twist
Canadian PM Mark Carney echoed calls for peace but sharply criticised Israel’s handling of Gaza, accusing it of breaching international law by blocking humanitarian aid.
Canada urged an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages by Hamas, and respect for the territorial integrity of Palestinian regions.
🔁 A Shift in Global Stance?
Despite U.S. warnings that unilateral recognition could “backfire diplomatically,” Macron is moving ahead, hoping to revive the fading two-state solution.
France’s original plan to launch the initiative at a co-hosted conference with Saudi Arabia in June was delayed due to the Israel-Iran conflict and U.S. pressure. Now, Paris plans to use the UNGA spotlight in September to rally support.
💥 Behind the Scenes: Israeli Pressure & Warnings
Sources say Israel has privately warned France of consequences ranging from cutting intelligence ties to annexing parts of the West Bank if Paris goes through with recognition.
Tel Aviv has lobbied hard, calling the move a “nuclear bomb” for bilateral ties.
🕊️ Palestinian Leadership Reacts
Palestinian Authority’s Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh thanked France, saying Macron’s stance reflects a “commitment to international law and Palestinian rights.”
As 40 foreign ministers prepare to meet in New York, France’s announcement has already changed the game—potentially setting off a diplomatic chain reaction that could reshape the Middle East narrative.