French President Emmanuel Macron declared on July 25, 2025, that France will formally recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, a move set to take effect on September 1, 2025, despite significant criticism from allies including the United States and Israel.
Speaking at a press conference in Paris, Macron framed the decision as a step toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, citing the need to support Palestinian self-determination amid ongoing violence in Gaza. France joins Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Slovenia, which recognized Palestine in 2024, bringing the total to 149 of 193 UN member states.
The announcement follows a contentious EU summit where Macron faced opposition from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who argued it could undermine peace talks. Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the move as “rewarding terrorism,” pointing to recent Hamas attacks, while the U.S. State Department expressed concern over timing, urging bilateral negotiations instead.
Macron countered that recognition aligns with France’s historical support for international law, referencing UN Resolution 242, and pledged €500 million in aid for Palestinian infrastructure. Critics within France, including opposition leader Marine Le Pen, called it a “reckless gesture” that could embolden Iran-backed groups, while pro-Palestinian activists hailed it as a historic shift. The decision’s impact remains uncertain, with analysts debating whether it will pressure Israel or escalate regional tensions.