France to recognise Palestinian State at UN General Assembly in September

French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that France will ‘fully recognise Palestine as a State’ when he attends the United Nations General Assembly in September.

This significant diplomatic move is outlined in a letter from Macron responding to a communication from the Palestinian Authority (PA) outlining its vision for regional peace and governance.

Macron’s commitment comes in light of what he described as ‘courageous commitments’ from the Palestinian Authority.

In its earlier letter to France and Saudi Arabia dated June 9, 2025, the PA expressed its desire to end the conflict in Gaza with a view towards a just and lasting peace, reaffirming its strong support for a two-state solution.

The PA also condemned the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks, called for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas, and urged Hamas to be disarmed and removed from the governance of Gaza.

Furthermore, the PA pledged to assume full governance responsibilities across all Palestinian territories, including Gaza, undertake fundamental reforms, and organise presidential and general elections in 2026 to bolster its credibility.

It also stated that a future Palestinian State should not be militarised.

President Macron welcomed these pledges, reiterating France’s own steadfast commitment to facilitating the implementation of a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine coexisting in peace and security.

He underscored this as the sole viable path to address the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians, emphasising the urgency of achieving this resolution.

Expressing deep concern over the ‘unbearably high price’ paid by civilians in the October 7 attacks and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Macron lamented that the prospect of a negotiated solution appears increasingly distant.

He stressed the imperative of realising a practical solution to fulfil the Palestinian people’s legitimate aspirations, eradicate all forms of terrorism and violence, and enable Israel and all regional nations to live in peace and security.

To this end, France and Saudi Arabia are set to co-chair a high-level conference at the United Nations, focusing on the peaceful resolution of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution.

Macron stated that France’s recognition would serve as a ‘decisive contribution’ to Middle East peace, with efforts to mobilise international partners to join this initiative.

Looking ahead, Macron affirmed his close attention to the implementation of a ceasefire in Gaza, the liberation of remaining hostages held by Hamas, the disarmament of the group, and the consolidation of the PA’s presence across all Palestinian territories.

He acknowledged the PA’s stated commitments and expressed reliance on its ‘determined action’ to foster lasting peace between the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.