France to recognise Palestinian state in September; Israel, US unhappy.

Post by : Monika

Photo: AFP

France has announced a big and bold step that has started a heated global debate. The country plans to officially recognise the State of Palestine in September during the United Nations General Assembly meeting. French President Emmanuel Macron believes this move will help restart peace talks in the Middle East. However, this decision has received strong criticism from both Israel and the United States.

Macron’s Message to Mahmoud Abbas
President Macron wrote a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to share the news. In his letter, he said that France is serious about recognising Palestine and wants to show support for peace. Macron also asked other countries to join France and support this cause. He called the decision an important and historic step for peace.

A Big Move from a Big Country
If France follows through with this plan, it will be the first major Western country to officially recognise Palestine as a state. Many smaller countries have already done so, but most powerful Western countries have not taken that step. France hopes this decision will encourage more countries to do the same and bring the world closer to a two-state solution, where both Israel and Palestine can exist peacefully side by side.

Strong Reaction from Israel
Israel quickly responded to France’s announcement—and not in a friendly way. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move would be like "rewarding terror." He warned that a Palestinian state under current conditions could become another enemy force supported by Iran, right next to Israel.

Netanyahu said clearly, “A Palestinian state in these conditions would not want peace. It would want to destroy Israel. The goal is not to live next to us. The goal is to replace us.”

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, also spoke strongly against the French decision. He called it “a disgrace” and said it was giving in to terrorist groups. Katz said Israel will never accept a Palestinian state that might threaten the safety of its people or the future of the country.

The United States Says No
The United States also reacted with anger and disappointment. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the French plan “reckless” and harmful to the peace process. He said it supports Hamas, a group that the U.S. considers a terrorist organisation. Rubio added that recognising Palestine now would be an insult to those who lost their lives in the October 7th attacks in Israel.

Canada Joins the Discussion
Canada also gave its opinion, although in a more balanced tone. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called on Israel to help reduce the suffering in Gaza and allow aid into the area. He said blocking Canadian-funded humanitarian help could break international laws. Still, Carney repeated Canada’s long-time support for a two-state solution and urged both sides to work toward a ceasefire and peaceful talks.

Important Meetings Coming Soon
This French announcement comes just before two major events. The first is a peace conference backed by the United Nations, set to happen in New York at the end of July. The second is the United Nations General Assembly in September, where France plans to make the official recognition of Palestine.

France had first planned to co-host a bigger peace event with Saudi Arabia in June. The purpose was to create a roadmap for peace and offer safety guarantees for Israel. But because of rising tensions in the Middle East—especially between Israel and Iran—that plan was delayed. Now, the event has been split into two parts. In July, there will be a meeting of foreign ministers. In September, world leaders will gather for final talks and announcements.

President Macron hopes that France’s recognition of Palestine will give a clear shape to the peace talks and push other countries to join the effort.

Backlash from France’s Allies
France is not facing this criticism alone. Some of its closest friends—like Britain and Canada—are also not very supportive of the move. Behind closed doors, Israel has warned France about possible consequences. These might include less cooperation in security matters or making things harder for France in future diplomatic talks.

Some reports even say that Israel might expand its settlements in the West Bank if France goes ahead. These actions could further anger Palestinians and hurt the peace process even more.

Even though the U.S. told other governments not to act alone before a final peace deal with Israel is made, France has been preparing this move quietly for months.

The World Is Slowly Changing
France’s action is part of a bigger trend. Today, more than three-fourths of the countries in the world already recognise Palestine as a state. Recently, some European Union members—such as Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia—also announced that they now recognise Palestine.

Still, France stands out. Among the world’s biggest and most powerful countries—like those in the G7 and G20—France is the first to make such a move. This makes President Macron’s decision very important on the world stage.

Why This Decision Matters
People who support the move say that this is a step forward for peace. It could bring back hope for a two-state solution and give Palestinians the international respect they have been asking for. Supporters believe this move could encourage both sides—Israel and Palestine—to come back to the table for serious talks.

People who are against the move believe it is too early. They say that recognising Palestine now rewards violent groups and weakens Israel’s security. Critics also worry that it gives more power to Hamas and other groups who don’t want peace with Israel.

What Comes Next?
In late July, diplomats and ministers from different countries will gather in New York to talk about the situation in Gaza, including rebuilding efforts and what should happen next. One big topic will be the possible recognition of Palestine.

In September, world leaders will meet again at the UN. This is when France plans to make its official announcement about recognising the State of Palestine.

France hopes that its decision will motivate other powerful nations to take similar steps, which could lead to renewed peace efforts and stronger chances of long-term peace in the region.

France is preparing to recognise the State of Palestine during the UN General Assembly in September. The country hopes this will support peace and encourage more talks between Palestinians and Israelis. But the decision has not gone smoothly. Israel and the U.S. strongly oppose the move, saying it rewards violence and harms Israel’s safety. Other countries like Canada have raised concerns but continue to support peace talks.

What happens in the next few months could shape the future of the Middle East. The world will be watching as leaders gather in New York and at the UN to decide the next steps.