French President Emmanuel Macron made a surprise announcement that the country will recognize the state of Palestine in September, CNN reported, citing high-ranking sources in the Elysee Palace.
France will become the first permanent member of the UN Security Council and the first country in the Group of Seven to recognize Palestine, joining Ireland, Norway, and Spain.
According to the report, this decision is a result of the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. CNN notes that since May alone, more than 1,000 Gazans have died while searching for food, and dozens have died of hunger.
Comparing the situation with the dark pages of the 20th century, the French side believes that now is the time to act. A senior French official told CNN: “I am sure that in September we will not be the only country to recognize Palestine.”
International Reaction
The French decision was welcomed by Hamas, calling it a “positive step”, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was “rewarding terrorism”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote that “this irresponsible step is a blow to the victims of October 7”.
Practical implications
Despite its international significance, the decision will change little on the ground. 100% of the population in Gaza is at risk of food insecurity, and according to the UN, about 900,000 children are on the verge of starvation.
Diplomacy
CNN suggests that Macron is trying to pressure allies to follow France’s example. Initially, France planned a joint summit with Saudi Arabia, but the Iran-Israel war thwarted that initiative.
France’s historical position
France has long advocated a two-state solution. In 2014, parliament called for the recognition of Palestine, and now the Elysee Palace is taking a clear step, without specifying the borders.
Macron initially supported Israel’s response to the events of October 7, but later increased his criticism, banning arms exports to Israel and calling for a ceasefire.
