Jobaaj Stories
France Could Recognize Palestinian State in June, Says Macron
PARIS, April 10, 2025 — French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France may officially recognize a Palestinian state as early as June, marking a possible shift in French foreign policy. The announcement came during a televised interview following Macron's visit to Egypt.
Macron: “It’s Time to Move Toward Recognition”
In a broadcast on France 5 television, Macron said, “We must move toward recognition, and we will do so in the coming months.” He added that a formal declaration could happen during a United Nations conference in New York this June, which France plans to co-host with Saudi Arabia.
Macron emphasized the importance of a balanced approach to the long-standing conflict. “I will do it not to please anyone, but because at some point, it becomes the right thing to do,” he said.
Mutual Recognition: A Two-Way Street
The French leader stressed that this move is part of a broader goal. He wants recognition of Palestine to encourage Arab and Muslim countries to recognize Israel in return. “It’s also about defending Israel’s right to exist and supporting collective security in the region,” Macron said, directly referencing opposition from countries like Iran, which deny Israel's legitimacy.
A Bold Shift in French Foreign Policy
France has historically supported a two-state solution—one Israeli and one Palestinian state living side-by-side. But officially recognizing Palestine would be a major shift and could spark diplomatic tensions with Israel, which believes such recognition should come only after peace negotiations.
The Ongoing Crisis in Gaza
The announcement came amid continuing violence in Gaza. An Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza killed at least 23 people on Wednesday, including women and children, according to medics at al-Ahli hospital. The Israeli military claimed it was targeting a senior Hamas figure.
In the city of Rafah, Israel reportedly plans to establish a new “security corridor”, possibly displacing more civilians.
Broader Regional Developments
Meanwhile, Hamas has filed a legal petition in the United Kingdom to be removed from its list of terrorist organizations, claiming it is a "resistance movement". In the U.S., Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat met with officials in Washington to prepare for President Donald Trump’s first overseas trip of his second term.
In Yemen, suspected U.S. airstrikes killed at least three people overnight, with an earlier strike having caused 13 deaths, according to Houthi sources. The rebels also claimed they shot down another American MQ-9 Reaper drone.
