Translated with AI
French President Emmanuel Macron announced his decision to officially recognize Palestine as an independent state. He reported this on Thursday on his page on the social network X (formerly Twitter).
"True to my historic commitment to ensuring a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine," the French leader wrote.
According to him, this decision will be officially announced in September at a meeting of the UN General Assembly. Macron emphasized that France's move is aimed at ending hostilities in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible and easing the humanitarian crisis.
"Today, there is an urgent need to end the war in Gaza and provide assistance to the civilian population. The French want peace in the Middle East," the president noted.
Deputy Palestinian Authority President Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the French leader's statement, calling it a "historic step" and an expression of support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.
"This position reflects France's commitment to international law and its support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state," he said.
Macron also added that his decision was made following commitments made by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
France became the first major European Union power to announce its intention to recognize Palestine this year. Earlier, in May 2024, Norway , Spain and Ireland took a similar step, which provoked a sharp reaction from Israel.
The United States, in turn, continues to oppose unilateral recognition of Palestine, declaring the need for direct negotiations between the parties.
In the European Union, High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell expressed hope for the formation of a common European position based on the concept of two states.
