News - World: France will officially recognize a Palestinian state this September at the United Nations General Assembly, President Emmanuel Macron has declared.

In a statement on the social media platform X on Thursday evening, Macron expressed his hope that this decision would contribute to peace in the region.

He shared a letter addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, confirming France's intention to be the first major Western power to acknowledge a Palestinian state.

"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 stated. "I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September."

Macron emphasized the urgent need to address the ongoing Israeli war against the people of Gaza, stating, “The immediate priority today is to end the war in Gaza and bring relief to the civilian population.”

“We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza. Finally, we must build the State of Palestine, guarantee its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the region,” he said.

“The French people want peace in the Middle East. It is our responsibility—as French citizens, alongside Israelis, Palestinians, and our European and international partners—to demonstrate that peace is possible,” he added.

"In light of the commitments made to me by the President of the Palestinian Authority, I have written to him to express my determination to move forward,” he said.

France has been pushing European countries, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Belgium, to jointly recognize the state of Palestine at the forthcoming event.

France and the UK would be the first G7 nations to recognize the state of Palestine – a decades-long demand from the Palestinians.

More than 140 UN member states recognize the Palestinian state, with Spain, Ireland, and Norway joining the ranks last year.

The Israeli regime’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, criticized France's decision, arguing that it "rewards terror."

He added, "This would serve as a launch pad for the annihilation of Israel, rather than living in peace alongside it."

Netanyahu also asserted, "Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel."

Israel's minister for military affairs, Israel Katz, echoed these sentiments, labeling Macron's announcement as "a disgrace and a surrender."

He contended that instead of supporting Israel during a challenging time, the French president is undermining its security.

“We will not allow the establishment of a Palestinian entity that would harm our security, endanger our existence, and undermine our historical rights,” Katz emphasized.

French officials initially considered this move in connection with a UN conference that France and Saudi Arabia planned to co-host in June, aimed at outlining the framework for a Palestinian state while ensuring Israel's security.

However, the conference was postponed due to US pressure and the escalation of hostilities in the region. The event was later rescheduled and downgraded to a ministerial meeting on July 28 and 29, with a follow-up gathering involving heads of state expected to take place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September.

By announcing France’s recognition of a Palestinian state ahead of this upcoming conference, the French government aims to establish a framework for collaboration with other countries that are either considering similar recognition or remain hesitant.

This decision may also provoke backlash in Washington; a diplomatic cable from June indicated that the US opposes any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.

Source: Press TV