France Moves to Recognise Palestinian State Amid Divergent European Responses

Wed Oct 22 2025 09:25:55 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant political shift, President Emmanuel Macron announces France's intention to officially recognize a Palestinian state, gaining support from several European nations while Germany and Italy stand firm against such recognition.

French President Emmanuel Macron has declared that France will formally recognize a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly, a move he deems essential for initiating peace processes. This decision follows similar actions by the UK, Canada, and Australia. Despite France's diplomatic weight as a UN Security Council member, notable opposition arises from Germany and Italy, who assert readiness for such a step has yet to come. This has sparked an array of reactions, including condemnation from Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations across Europe.

President Emmanuel Macron will formally recognise a Palestinian state in New York on Monday, backed by several other European countries, describing France's move as a 'necessity'.

Coming hard on the heels of a decision by the UK, Canada and Australia, Macron said his move would be the 'beginning of a political process and a peace and security plan for everybody'.

France, like the UK, carries considerable diplomatic weight as both a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the G7, and is co-ordinating the push with Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of this week's UN General Assembly.

Paris will not be joined by two of the other big European states in the G7, Germany and Italy, and not by the US either.

Israel has denounced the move as a reward for Hamas, and its UN ambassador has called Monday's event a circus.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted there will be no Palestinian state to the west of the River Jordan, and President Isaac Herzog said recognising one would only 'embolden the forces of darkness'.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot was adamant that his country's move was a 'categorical rejection' of Hamas but said it was 'symbolic, immediate, and political, demonstrating France's commitment to the two-state solution'.

Barrot spoke of Macron's declaration as a 'great diplomatic victory for our country'. Paris has said Belgium, Luxembourg and Malta are also set to announce formal recognition, along with the tiny states of Andorra and San Marino. Portugal made its own declaration late on Sunday.

A number of other European countries have already recognised a Palestinian state, including Spain and Norway last year, but Macron's move is seen as a gamble by some domestic commentators which might make little difference on the ground.

Ahead of Macron's announcement, the Palestinian and Israeli flags were displayed on the Eiffel Tower on Sunday night. A number of town halls in France also flew Palestinian flags on Monday, despite a government order to local prefects to maintain neutrality.

Pro-Palestinian protests took place in Italy, where the government said recently it could be 'counter-productive' to recognise a state that did not exist.

European Union officials have also toughened their language against Israel in recent weeks, with calls for an end to the horrific events in Gaza.

In a CBS News interview late on Sunday, President Macron spoke of a phased plan that would be geared towards isolating Hamas, including a ceasefire, hostage release, and reconstruction of Gaza.

However, Macron's high-profile move at the United Nations has met criticism from his political opponents, who argued it rewards Hamas amidst ongoing violence.