Wed Apr 09 20:14:01 UTC 2025: ## France to Recognize Palestinian State Within Months

**Paris, France** – French President Emmanuel Macron announced Wednesday that France plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state within the next few months. The recognition could be finalized at a UN conference in New York this June, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Macron stated that this move is intended to advance a two-state solution and contribute to a collective effort towards peace. He emphasized that the recognition is conditional on reciprocal recognition of Israel by Palestinian entities, many of whom currently do not. He further highlighted that the recognition would strengthen France’s stance against those denying Israel’s right to exist, specifically mentioning Iran.

This decision marks a significant shift in French foreign policy and is likely to strain relations with Israel, which opposes such unilateral recognitions. While nearly 150 countries already recognize a Palestinian state, France’s recognition would carry substantial weight as it would be the most significant European power to take this step. The US has also long resisted such a move.

Palestinian officials welcomed the announcement, viewing it as a positive step towards securing Palestinian rights.

Macron’s announcement comes after a recent trip to Egypt, where he met with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. During these meetings, Macron strongly condemned any plans to displace or annex territories in Gaza and the West Bank, directly rebuking suggestions by former US President Donald Trump to transform Gaza into a resort area. Macron stressed the need for prioritizing peace negotiations and humanitarian aid over such proposals, emphasizing that without a stable political framework, no investment would flow into Gaza.

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