France plans to recognize the Palestinian state in June, announces Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron revealed on Wednesday evening that France could recognize a Palestinian state “in June” during an international conference that France will co-chair with Saudi Arabia in New York. This announcement comes amidst a quite tense geopolitical context, marked by months of violence in Gaza and growing calls for a lasting political solution.

In an interview with France 5, the president stressed that this recognition would not be a response to external pressure but would be part of a “just” and thoughtful approach. “I will not do it to please anyone, but because it will be just,” he stated.

Emmanuel Macron explained that the goal of French diplomacy is to work towards collective recognition, within the framework of a multilateral initiative. “We must move towards recognition, and hence, in the coming months, we will go,” he insisted. He also noted that this recognition could be formalized on the sidelines of the international conference on Palestine scheduled for June, highlighting the close coordination between Paris and Riyadh.

Such a potential recognition by France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, would mark a notable diplomatic shift and could encourage other European countries to follow suit. This move is part of a broader context where several EU member states, including Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, have expressed their willingness to recognize Palestine in a coordinated manner.

Emmanuel Macron’s statement reignites the debate on France’s role in the Middle East and its ability to play a leading role in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, through a widely supported two-state solution.