France has signalled a significant shift in its Middle East policy by declaring its intent to formally recognise the State of Palestine, joining 147 countries that have already done so. The move comes amid Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza, which has drawn increasing criticism from the international community.
French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that recognition of Palestine is "not a taboo" and that such a step should be "useful, not just symbolic." Speaking in front of French ambassadors in Paris, Séjourné stressed that recognition must be part of a broader diplomatic effort to achieve a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. He said France would support recognition "at a useful moment" and "within a negotiating framework."
While Séjourné clarified that the French government is not setting a specific timeline, he reaffirmed Paris’ commitment to pursuing peace in the region, emphasising that the "current situation is untenable" and "fuels despair, violence and injustice." He added that the Palestinian people have the right to live in peace and security alongside Israel.
France’s declaration follows similar recognition by Ireland, Norway, and Spain in recent months. French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier indicated openness to recognising a Palestinian state, particularly in light of the high civilian death toll in Gaza and the collapse of trust between the Israeli and Palestinian sides.
The United States responded sharply to France’s position. In a post on X, Republican Senator Marco Rubio criticised the decision as "reckless," arguing it would undermine peace efforts and embolden Hamas. "France is on the verge of formally recognising a Palestinian state, but Hamas still exists and still holds hostages," he wrote. Rubio warned that such recognition, absent direct negotiations between the parties involved, could legitimise extremist groups and further destabilise the region.
The US State Department has also repeatedly stated that the Biden administration does not support unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, arguing instead for a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians.
Israel additionally condemned France’s announcement, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it a “reward for terrorism” and claiming it threatens Israel’s security by potentially creating another hostile entity. Defence Minister Israel Katz described the decision as “a disgrace” and “a surrender to terrorism,” warning that Israel would not permit the establishment of a Palestinian entity endangering its existence. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar similarly denounced the move on X as a “prize for terror and a boost for Hamas,” adding that recognition without peace agreements would only deepen instability in the region.
More than 30,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have reportedly been killed in the conflict since Israel launched its offensive following the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks that left over 1,200 Israelis dead. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has drawn condemnation globally and heightened calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution.
France's move is likely to add pressure on other EU member states and G7 countries to reconsider their stance on Palestinian recognition. However, divisions remain within the international community, particularly between European states and the US, over the approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
While France has not yet set a definitive date for recognition, the development underscores shifting global sentiment towards Palestinian statehood amid one of the deadliest and most protracted phases of the conflict in recent years.
