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Macron Says France Could Recognise a Palestinian State 'In June'

Thursday 10 April 2025 - 08:07

President Emmanuel Macron announced that France could officially recognise a Palestinian state within the next few months, potentially during a United Nations conference in New York scheduled for June. The conference, which France aims to co-host with Saudi Arabia, would focus on advancing peace efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Speaking to France 5 television, Macron emphasized the importance of moving forward with recognition as part of a wider international initiative. He said this step would also encourage mutual recognition, allowing supporters of Palestine to also acknowledge Israel's right to exist—something he noted is currently rejected by some, such as Iran.

Macron stated that this move would reinforce France’s position against those who question Israel’s legitimacy, while promoting regional stability and collective security.

The Palestinian Authority welcomed Macron’s announcement, calling it a significant and positive step toward protecting Palestinian rights and advancing the two-state solution. Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, praised the potential recognition as aligned with international efforts for peace.

While France has consistently supported the two-state solution, especially after the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel, an official recognition of Palestinian statehood would represent a major shift in French foreign policy and could provoke strong reactions from Israel, which views such declarations as premature.

Macron recently discussed these developments with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II during his visit to Cairo.

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