France officially recognized the Palestinian state in September, President Emmanuel Macron said.
In a post on X, Macron said the official announcement will be made at a session at the UN General Assembly in New York.
“The urgent need today is for the end of the war in Gaza and the rescue of civilians. Peace is possible. There is an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a massive humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza,” he wrote.
Palestinian officials welcomed Macron’s decision, saying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “rewards the horror” following Hamas’ attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023.
Macron wrote in his post on Thursday’s X: “Trusting to the historic commitment to just and lasting peace in the Middle East, France has decided to recognize the Palestinian state.
“We must also ensure Hamas is demilitarized and safely rebuild Gaza.
“Finally, we must ensure that we will contribute to all the security of the Middle East by building up the Palestinian state, ensuring its viability, accepting its demilitarization and fully aware of Israel. There is no option.”
Macron also attached a letter to Palestinian authorities President Mahmoud Abbas confirming his decision.
In response to Macron’s announcement, Abbas Deputy Hussein al-Sheikh said, “This position reflects France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.”
Meanwhile, Netanyahu wrote in X’s post:
“The Palestinian state in these conditions will be the launch pad to annihilate Israel – we will not live peacefully next to it. Let’s be clear: The Palestinians do not seek a nation along with Israel. They are seeking a nation instead of Israel.”
Currently, Palestine is recognized by more than 140 of the 193 member states of the United Nations.
Several European Union countries, including Spain, are among them.
However, allies, including the US and the UK, which are major Israeli supporters, do not recognize the Palestinian state.
Israeli forces launched a campaign in Gaza in response to an attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and holding 251 others hostage.
At least 59,106 people have died in Gaza since then, according to the Ministry of Health of the Territories.
Many of Gaza have since been reduced to Kura Rub.
Earlier on Thursday, the UN Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNRWA) said one in five children in Gaza is malnourished, with cases rising daily.
More than 100 international aid and human rights groups have also warned of massive hunger in the Gaza Strip – pushing the government to take action.
Israel, which controls the entry of all supplies into Palestinian territory, has repeatedly said there is no siege and has denounced Hamas in cases of malnutrition.
In a statement, British Prime Minister Kiel condemned Gaza’s “unspeakable, irrepreneurable” humanitarian conditions.
He said the situation was “significant for a while” but “we’ve reached a new depth.”
“We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe,” added Sir Kiel.
