French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine in September at the UN General Assembly session. Macron emphasized that the recognition must occur under a number of conditions. “It is necessary to immediately establish a ceasefire, release all hostages, and provide massive humanitarian aid to the population of Gaza. […]
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine in September at the UN General Assembly session.
Macron emphasized that the recognition must occur under a number of conditions.
“It is necessary to immediately establish a ceasefire, release all hostages, and provide massive humanitarian aid to the population of Gaza. It is also necessary to guarantee the demilitarization of Hamas, ensure security, and rebuild Gaza,” said Macron.
Currently, the State of Palestine has been recognized by more than 140 of the 193 UN member states, including Russia and China, as well as several EU countries, but among the G7 countries, France — if Macron fulfills his promise in September — will become the first major power to recognize the Palestinian state.
Some media report an increase in pressure from MPs and other representatives in the UK on the government, which raises the possibility that London will support Paris or soon recognize Palestine itself.
This decision has elicited mixed reactions. Israel and the US criticized it, while the Palestinian authorities, as well as Hamas and several Arab countries, welcomed Macron’s initiative.
It is noted that France’s move could increase pressure on other European countries to follow its example. France will become the first G7 member country to officially recognize the State of Palestine.