France will recognise a Palestinian state in September at the United Nations General Assembly, French President Emmanuel macron said on Thursday, adding that he hoped it would help bring peace to the region.
Macron, who announced the decision on X, published a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming France’s intention to become the first major Western power to recognise a Palestinian state.
“True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine,” Macron said.
“I will make this solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September.”
France, home to Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim communities, will become the first major Western country to recognise a Palestinian state, potentially giving greater momentum to a movement so far dominated by smaller nations that are generally more critical of Israel.
The decision is likely to spark anger in Israel and Washington.
In a diplomatic cable in June, the United States said it opposed any steps that would unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state.
