French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France may formally recognize a Palestinian state by June 2025. This initiative is intended to be part of a broader international effort to advance peace in the Middle East and promote mutual recognition among nations in the region.
Macron emphasized that France’s recognition would not be merely symbolic but integrated into a collective diplomatic process. He highlighted the importance of reciprocal recognition, suggesting that in return, certain Middle Eastern countries that currently do not recognize Israel—such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen—could consider doing so.
To facilitate this process, France aims to co-chair an international conference with Saudi Arabia in June. The goal of the conference is to finalize mutual recognition agreements among several nations, thereby contributing to stability and peace in the region.
While nearly 150 countries have already recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, major Western powers, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan, have not yet done so. France’s potential recognition would mark a significant shift in its foreign policy stance.
This development aligns with Macron’s previous statements indicating that recognizing a Palestinian state is “not a taboo for France.” He has consistently advocated for a two-state solution as a pathway to enduring peace in the Middle East.
The announcement has elicited varied reactions. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar criticized the move, describing it as premature and potentially beneficial to Hamas. Conversely, Palestinian officials have welcomed France’s initiative, viewing it as a positive step toward safeguarding Palestinian rights and supporting the two-state solution framework.
