France Will Honour Palestine: Macron
France to formally recognise a Palestinian state at UN Assembly
Key developments
- Le Monde reports more than 142 nations now recognise or plan to recognise a Palestinian state, a tally compiled by AFP.
- The official recognition by France would position the country as the most powerful European nation to support Palestinian statehood.
Israel’s reaction
Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin described the decision as a “shameless” move, calling it “direct aid to terrorism.” A senior Palestinian Authority official, Hussein al‑Sheikh, welcomed France’s announcement, noting that it “reflects France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self‑determination.”
Humanitarian crisis in Gaza
More than two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip face a dire humanitarian crisis, with warnings of widespread starvation. The World Health Organization has labelled the crisis “man‑made,” while France has blamed an Israeli blockade for the deepening hunger.
Future steps and international support
- France intends to make the announcement at the UN General Assembly in September.
- Other European leaders hint at similar recognition: Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer said a call with German and French counterparts could pave the way for a ceasefire and the eventual recognition of a Palestinian state.
- Non‑European countries have also signalled recognition: Norway, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and several others announced their plans after the Gaza conflict began.
Impact on the conflict
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed 59,587 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to the Hamas‑run health ministry. The October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, as tallied by AFP.
