Macron Pledges Recognition of Palestine Amidst Israel-Imposed Starvation In Gaza
Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine. The declaration, made via a post on X, comes amid escalating calls for an end to the devastating war in Gaza and ongoing Israel-imposed starvation in the Strip. Macron plans to make the solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly in September, a move that has already sparked a firestorm of reactions from supporters and critics alike.
The announcement arrives at a critical juncture, nearly two years after the October 7 attacks by Hamas that killed over 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of more than 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent devastating military campaign in Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, widespread destruction, and a humanitarian catastrophe, with reports of famine and displacement affecting millions.
Macron’s statement emphasises the “urgent priority” of ending the conflict, advocating for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages, and massive humanitarian aid to Gaza’s beleaguered population.
“Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,” Macron wrote in his X post, which garnered over 34,000 likes and nearly 2 million views within hours.
He outlined a roadmap for peace, including the demilitarization of Hamas, the secure reconstruction of Gaza, and the establishment of a viable Palestinian state that recognizes Israel and ensures regional security. “There is no alternative,” he asserted, calling on French citizens, Israelis, Palestinians, and international partners to prove that peace is achievable.
The decision appears to stem from recent correspondence between Macron and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. In a letter dated July 24, 2025, attached to Macron’s post and obtained through images shared online, the French leader responded to Abbas’s missive from June 9. Abbas had informed Macron and Saudi Arabia of the Palestinian Authority’s desire to halt the war in Gaza, reaffirming support for a two-state solution. He condemned the October 7 attacks, demanded the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas, and called for the group’s disarmament and withdrawal from governance in Gaza.
Macron welcomed these “courageous commitments,” highlighting France’s own dedication to fostering two states – Israel and Palestine – living side by side in peace and security. “This solution is the only path that can address the legitimate aspirations of both the Israelis and the Palestinians,” Macron wrote. “It must now be brought about as quickly as possible.”
The letter acknowledges the human cost: “Civilians paid an unbearably high price during the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas on 7 October and in the war that Israel is pursuing in Gaza.” Macron lamented that a negotiated solution seems increasingly distant but insisted, “I cannot resign myself to that.”
Reactions to Macron’s announcement have been swift and polarised. Pro-Palestinian voices hailed it as a long-overdue step toward justice. Poet and activist Mosab Abu Toha, in a reply to Macron’s post, referenced historical injustices, noting the 1948 displacement of over 800,000 Palestinians and France’s early recognition of Israel in 1949, urging attention to Palestine’s UN membership aspirations.
Others, like user @zesqyb, demanded immediate action to end starvation in Gaza, posting an image of emaciated children with the caption, “HOW ABOUT YOU STOP STARVING THEM FIRST!”
Conversely, pro-Israel commentators decried the move as a reward for terrorism. “You are showing terrorists that slaughtering innocent people is the way to get rewarded. Shame on you,” wrote @THEREALJEW613, emphasising that the war began with Hamas’s October 7 invasion. Joel M. Petlin sarcastically quipped, “Hamas: ‘We want peace so we can re-arm and try again to destroy Israel.’ Macron: ‘You see, they do want peace. Now, let’s give them their own State.’”
