France has come out in strong defence of its recent declaration to formally recognise a Palestinian state, countering both domestic disapproval and international pushback, including claims that the move could embolden the militant group Hamas.
President Emmanuel Macron revealed on Thursday that France would officially acknowledge a Palestinian state during a United Nations meeting scheduled for September, marking a significant stance from the most influential nation in the European Union to support such recognition.
The announcement sparked a swift rebuke from Israel, which accused France of “rewarding terror.” Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the decision “reckless” and argued it “only serves Hamas propaganda.”
Adding to the critique, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, took a jab at Macron’s statement by sarcastically claiming France had not specified the future location of the proposed Palestinian state. “I can now exclusively disclose that France will offer the French Riviera & the new nation will be called ‘Franc-en-Stine’,” he posted on X.
Despite being classified as a terrorist organisation by both the European Union and the United States, Hamas welcomed the move, describing it as “a positive step in the right direction toward doing justice to our oppressed Palestinian people.”
“France is choosing peace”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, however, dismissed claims that the recognition aligns with Hamas’s agenda. Posting on X, Barrot stated, “Hamas has always ruled out a two-state solution. By recognising Palestine, France goes against that terrorist organisation.”
Barrot further asserted that France’s decision reflects its commitment to “the side of peace against the side of war.”
Domestically, reactions to Macron’s decision have been sharply divided. The political left praised the announcement, while right-wing voices condemned it, and members of Macron’s own government appeared hesitant to comment.
Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), criticised the move as “rushed” and argued it grants Hamas “unexpected institutional and international legitimacy.” Similarly, Marine Le Pen, head of the RN in parliament, claimed the initiative equated to “recognising a Hamas state and therefore a terrorist state.”
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the far-left France Unbowed party, celebrated the move as “a moral victory,” though he lamented the delay until September. By then, he warned, Gaza could become a “graveyard.”
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, a right-leaning figure known for his tense relationship with Macron, declined to weigh in, citing his focus on a “serious topic” related to the safety of French vacationers.
Concerns Over Safety and Strategy
Francois-Xavier Bellamy, vice president of Les Republicains, strongly opposed the decision, arguing it could be “counter-productive” or simply “pointless.” He warned the move could endanger both Israeli civilians and “Palestinian civilians who are victims of Hamas’s barbarism.”
Bellamy also pointed out that Macron’s previous conditions for recognising Palestine had not been fulfilled—including the disarmament of Hamas, its exclusion from governance, the release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza, and broader Arab state recognition of Israel.
“None of them have been met,” he said.
Public opinion in Paris reflected the broader division. Julien Deoux, a developer, supported the announcement, saying, “It’s about time. When you’ve been talking about two-state solutions for decades but you don’t recognise one of the two states, it’s a bit difficult.”
However, Gil, a 79-year-old retiree who chose not to give his full name, said he felt “betrayed” by Macron. “As a Frenchman, I’m ashamed to see that tomorrow Hamas could come to power in the territory,” he lamented.
Growing Momentum in Europe
Although France will become the most prominent European country to recognise a Palestinian state, it may not stand alone for long. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced he would consult with German and French leaders regarding a ceasefire and paths toward recognition.
Germany, however, stated on Friday that it has no immediate plans to follow suit.
Several other European countries—including Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia—have already granted recognition, as have various nations outside Europe, particularly in response to the recent Gaza conflict.
With France’s anticipated formal recognition, the number of countries officially recognising Palestinian statehood will exceed 142 globally.
What You Should Know
Emmanuel Macron’s decision to formally recognise Palestinian statehood is one of the boldest diplomatic moves by a Western power in recent years.
It not only positions France as a significant voice in the Israeli-Palestinian debate but also opens up global discussions about two-state solutions and European responsibility in Middle East peace processes.
