Macron Formally Recognizes Palestinian State at UN Summit, Defying Israeli Warnings

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday formally recognized a Palestinian state, leading a landmark UN summit that has prompted several Western allies to take similar steps — a move that has drawn sharp condemnation from Israel.

“The time for peace has come, as we are just moments away from no longer being able to seize it,” Macron declared at the gathering.

“The time has come to free the 48 hostages held by Hamas. The time has come to stop the war, the bombings of Gaza, the massacres and the displacement,” he added.

On the eve of the summit, Australia, Britain, Canada, and Portugal also announced recognition of Palestine, adding diplomatic pressure on Israel as its military campaign in Gaza continues, leaving tens of thousands dead.

Macron said that while France’s recognition was historic, the opening of a Palestinian embassy in Paris would hinge on the release of hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Israel, however, fiercely opposed the move. Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon warned, “We will take action,” accusing France and others of “supporting terrorism” rather than promoting peace.

The United States, Israel’s closest ally, also opposed the recognition. “Frankly, he believes it’s a reward to Hamas,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said of President Donald Trump’s stance, stressing that Palestinian statehood should emerge only through direct negotiations.

Germany also broke ranks with France and Britain, insisting it would not follow suit. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul maintained that “a negotiated two-state solution is the path that can allow Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security and dignity.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged world leaders not to be “intimidated by the risk of retaliation,” even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his rejection of a Palestinian state and vowed to expand settlements.

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas was denied a US visa to attend the summit in person and instead participated virtually.

The International Crisis Group cautioned that recognition alone may have little effect. “Unless backed up by concrete measures, recognizing Palestine as a state risks becoming a distraction from the reality, which is an accelerating erasure of Palestinian life in their homeland,” said Max Rodenbeck, its Israel-Palestine project director.

The Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, left 1,219 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians. Since then, Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least 65,062 Palestinians, largely civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry, which the UN regards as reliable.

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