French President Emmanuel Macron has done something unthinkable related to Palestine as Israeli continnues to pound Gaza and hundreds die of hunger in the war torn region.
France To Become First G7 Country To Recognize Palestine
On Thursday, Macron announced that France will formally recognise Palestine as a state later this year in September by making a formal announcement in United Nations General Assembly in September.
Also Read: European Union Warns Of Action Against Israel Amid Surge In Gaza Deaths
The declaration to declare Palestine as a state was made in a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. France will be the first G7 country to recognize the Palestinian state which will set ball rolling for the countries in the group inccluding Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US.
Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine.
I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September.… pic.twitter.com/VTSVGVH41I
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 24, 2025
In the letter and accompanying public post, Macron also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and greater humanitarian access to the war-torn territory.
Benjamin Netanyahu Says Emmanuel Macron Is Rewarding Terror
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly criticised the move, accusing Macron of endangering Israel’s security.
Posting on X, Netanyahu said the recognition of a Palestinian state under current conditions “rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy.”
He added, “A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel – not to live in peace beside it.”
“Let’s be clear: The Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel,” he warned.
Will UK And Its Allies reccognize Palestine?
Macron’s announcement is likely to put pressure on other Western nations, including the UK. Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer reiterated on Thursday that Palestinian statehood is “the inalienable right of the Palestinian people.”
However, Starmer remains cautious about immediate recognition, insisting that such a step should come as part of a broader peace process following a ceasefire in Gaza.
“A ceasefire will put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution which guarantees peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis,” Starmer said.
Which Countries In G20 Recognize Palestine?
Currently, more than 140 countries around the world recognise Palestine as a state. Within the G20, half of the member nations have extended such recognition, but key Western powers including the US, UK, and Germany have not.
Domestically in the UK, pressure is mounting on Starmer’s government to shift policy. Prominent Labour figures, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan, have publicly urged for immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood.*
Just hours before Macron’s letter became public, Starmer said he would hold an emergency call with the leaders of France and Germany to address what he called the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.
“The suffering and starvation unfolding in Gaza is unspeakable and indefensible,” he said. “It has been grave for some time, but it has now reached new depths and continues to worsen.”
Also Read: UN Laments Israeli Blockade Of Humanitarian Aid As Gaza Crisis Worsens
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
