France to Recognize the State of Palestine at UN Assembly in 2025

In a significant diplomatic development, France has announced its intention to formally recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. This decision positions France as the first major Western nation to take such a step, potentially reshaping international dynamics concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The announcement was made by French President Emmanuel Macron during the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City from July 28 to 30, 2025. Co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the conference aimed to advance the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel.

The conference concluded with the adoption of the "New York Declaration," outlining a 15-month phased plan to establish a demilitarized, sovereign Palestinian state. Key components of the plan include transferring governance of Palestinian territories to the Palestinian Authority and deploying a temporary UN-backed stabilization mission to ensure security during the transition.

President Macron's decision to recognize Palestine was conveyed through a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. In the letter, Macron emphasized France's commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East and reaffirmed support for the two-state solution. He stated, "This decision reaffirms France’s commitment to the implementation of the two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security."

The move has elicited a range of international reactions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the initiative, stating that recognizing a Palestinian state under current conditions could pose a threat to Israel's security. He remarked, "A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it."

Similarly, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned France's decision, stating that it "only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace."

Conversely, several nations have signaled support for France's move. Australia announced its intention to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, aligning with France, Britain, and Canada. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that this decision supports a two-state solution and aims to encourage a ceasefire.

Spain has also expressed support for President Macron's proposal to establish an international coalition under a United Nations mandate to stabilize the Gaza Strip. The mission aims to secure Gaza, protect civilians, and support Palestinian governance.

However, not all nations are in agreement. The Netherlands announced it would not recognize a Palestinian state at this time, despite growing public concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated that the Netherlands was focused on EU and domestic arms procurement and would not halt arms imports from Israel.

The High-Level International Conference and the subsequent New York Declaration represent a renewed international effort to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and implement a viable two-state solution. The success of these initiatives will depend on the cooperation of all parties involved and the international community's commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution in the region.

As the international community continues to navigate the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, France's recognition of Palestine marks a pivotal moment that could influence future diplomatic efforts and the broader quest for peace in the Middle East.