France to Recognize the State of Palestine in September

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. The announcement was communicated via a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and underscores France’s long‑standing support for a two‑state solution and the Palestinian people’s right to self‑determination. (Reuters)

The recognition marks a historic shift: France becomes the first major Western power—and the first G7 member—to take this step. (Reuters)

Reactions & Context

• Palestinian leadership welcomed the decision, with officials describing it as a meaningful move toward protecting the two-state solution and advancing peace in the region (ndtv)

• Hamas hailed the plan as an “important step” given France’s role as a UN Security Council permanent member (Al Jazeera).

• Israel strongly condemned the move, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it a “reward for terror” and warning it would embolden Hamas. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said unilateral recognition undermines peace and stability.                                                                  The United States also rejected the decision, calling it “reckless” and a setback for peace, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating it served Hamas propaganda and disrespected victims of October 7 (euro news)

Diplomatic Significance

This recognition is intended to build momentum ahead of a high‑level UN conference co‑hosted by France and Saudi Arabia in July 2025, which will outline a post-conflict roadmap including Palestinian governance reform, broader recognition, and disarmament of Hamas 

By formalizing recognition in New York this September, France aims to galvanize international support for Palestinian statehood and pressure other influential countries—such as the UK and Germany—to follow suit. (theguardian)

France’s announcement represents a pivotal moment: it's the most powerful Western state yet to recognize Palestinian statehood, aligning diplomatic policy with a growing global push toward a lasting two‑state resolution.