France Recognizes State of Palestine at UN General Assembly
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday, September 23, during his address at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, that France officially recognizes the State of Palestine.
In his speech, Macron called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, stressing that the time for peace has come before the opportunity is lost forever. He also urged urgent action to secure the release of 48 hostages held by Hamas.
The French president condemned the ongoing attacks on Gaza, demanding a halt to bombings, the killing of civilians, and the mass displacement of residents. His remarks came in the absence of representatives from Israel and the United States at the session.
Despite recognizing Palestinian statehood, Macron stated that France will not open an official embassy in Palestinian territory until a ceasefire is in place and all hostages are freed.
The move is widely viewed as a symbolic step to pressure Israel into ending the bloody war in Gaza, which has killed thousands and displaced many more. While most Western countries have sided with Israel in the conflict, France’s recognition could shift the balance of global policy on Palestine, though Paris has yet to announce concrete measures to support Palestinians.
