Macron said in a post on X that he would formalize the decision at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
“It is urgent today to stop the war in Gaza and save the civilian population,” he said.
The French president offered support to Israel after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and has often spoken out against anti-Semitism, but has become increasingly frustrated with Israel’s war in Gaza, especially in recent months.
“Given its historic commitment to a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the state of Palestine,” Macron wrote, adding: “Peace is possible.”
He also published a letter he sent to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about the decision.
He said that “there must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and massive humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza”.
“It is also necessary to ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, to secure and rebuild Gaza. Finally, it is essential to build the State of Palestine, to ensure its viability and to enable it, by accepting demilitarization and full recognition of Israel, to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East. There is no alternative. The French people want peace in the Middle East. It is up to us, the French, together with the Israelis, the Palestinians and our European and international partners, to show that this is possible,” Macron said
