Macron Signals Possible Recognition of Palestinian State by June

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France may formally recognize Palestine as a state by June, marking a potentially historic shift in the country’s Middle East policy.

During a two-day visit to Egypt, Macron revealed in a televised interview that France aims to co-chair a United Nations-backed conference with Saudi Arabia in New York this June, during which multiple nations could collectively move toward recognizing Palestinian statehood.

“Our goal is, sometime in June, to chair this conference with Saudi Arabia where we could finalize the movement of reciprocal recognition by several,” Macron stated. He added that he is committed to taking this step because “it will be fair” and part of a broader effort encouraging mutual recognition between Palestine and Israel.

Macron emphasized that France’s recognition of Palestine would also reaffirm its stance against those who deny Israel’s right to exist—specifically referencing Iran—and would strengthen collective regional security. “This allows us to be clear in our fight against those who deny Israel’s right to exist,” he said.

The announcement comes as efforts to reignite a two-state solution gain momentum following 18 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The proposed recognition, however, could strain diplomatic relations between France and Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly opposed a two-state solution, calling the idea of Palestinian statehood a "huge reward" after the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel.

If carried out, France would join nearly 150 countries that have already recognized Palestine, including Ireland, Norway, and Spain, which made their declarations in May 2024.