Emmanuel Macron announced this Thursday that France will officially recognize the state of Palestine next September, on the occasion of the United Nations General Assembly. In a message published on his official Facebook page, the French president also appealed to an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, the release of all still detained hostages, as well as massive humanitarian aid for civilian populations.
“The French want peace in the Middle East. It is up to us, to us French, alongside the Israelis, the Palestinians, our European and international partners, to demonstrate that it is possible, “he wrote.
This declaration comes in a context of Strong tensions and persistent military climbing in the Gaza Stripwhere the fighting between Israel and Hamas continue to make hundreds of civilian victims. The French position, which thus aligns with a series of recent diplomatic recognitions by other European countries, marks a turning point in Paris foreign policy With regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
A diplomatic gesture with a strong symbolic scope
The recognition of the state of Palestine by France is expected as a strong political actsusceptible to revive diplomatic efforts for a solution to two statesoften mentioned but rarely materialized. It could also strengthen the Palestinian position within international bodies, at a time when the question of sovereignty and human rights in the occupied territories remains at the heart of tensions.
An internationally evolving context
Several European countries, including Spain, Ireland and Norway, have recently recognized the state of Palestine, arousing contrasting reactions within the European Union. The French decision could amplify this dynamic And put pressure on the other major powers so that they clarify their position.
French diplomacy hopes that this recognition will help “open a political horizon” in a region where Peace initiatives have long been at a standstill.
