Global Divisions Deepen as Macron Plans Formal Recognition at UN, Drawing Sharp Criticism from US and Israeli Leaders
France’s Bold Step Toward Palestinian Statehood
In a significant diplomatic move, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will formally recognise the state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. The announcement sparked a wave of international reactions, with Israel and the United States condemning the decision as dangerous and inflammatory amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
📌 Macron stated the priority is to end the war in Gaza and rescue the civilian population.
He emphasized: “We must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability and enable it to contribute to regional peace.”
US: “A Slap in the Face to October 7 Victims”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called France’s move a “reckless decision”, accusing it of legitimizing Hamas propaganda.
“This is a slap in the face to the victims of the October 7th attack,” Rubio said, referring to the 2023 Hamas assault that sparked the current Israeli military campaign in Gaza.
Israel: “France Is Rewarding Terror”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Deputy PM Yariv Levin strongly condemned Macron’s plan.
- Netanyahu warned that recognising a Palestinian state could create “another Iranian proxy”.
- Levin labeled the move “shameful”, calling it a “black mark on French history.”
Both leaders reiterated concerns that such recognition could embolden terrorist groups and pose a direct existential threat to Israel.
🟢 Palestinian Authority and Hamas Applaud France
Palestinian officials hailed the announcement:
- Hussein al-Sheikh, a senior Palestinian Authority figure, praised France’s “commitment to international law.”
- Hamas called it a “positive step” toward justice for the Palestinian people and urged other countries to follow suit.
🌍 Growing Global Support for Palestinian Recognition
Macron’s declaration aligns France with 142 other nations that already recognise or have pledged to recognise Palestinian statehood.
Other recent recognitions include:
- Spain, Norway, Ireland, and Slovenia (in 2024)
- Saudi Arabia, calling the move “historic”
- Ireland, stating this is the only path to long-term peace
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also holding talks with France and Germany on coordinated diplomatic efforts.
📊 Current Conflict Impact
- Palestinian Death Toll in Gaza: 59,587 (mostly civilians)
- Israeli Death Toll from October 2023 Hamas Attack: 1,219 (mostly civilians)
These figures, reported by respective authorities, highlight the staggering human cost of the conflict, which many leaders say underscores the urgency of a two-state solution.
📌 Conclusion: A Move That Could Reshape Middle East Diplomacy
As the UN recognition vote approaches, global opinion remains deeply divided. France’s move may signal a shift in international policy—but it could also escalate tensions in an already volatile region.
