French President Emmanuel Macron declares recognition of a “Palestinian state” at the UN, a move critics say rewards Hamas and pressures Israel amid ongoing hostage crisis.
At the United Nations General Assembly in New York, French President Emmanuel Macron formally announced France’s recognition of a so-called “Palestinian state,” joining a string of Western nations rushing to confer legitimacy despite ongoing terror and the unresolved hostage crisis.
Macron framed the move as consistent with France’s “historic commitment” to Middle East peace, insisting recognition would strengthen Israel’s security, not undermine it. He cited French military support for Israel during Iranian attacks earlier this year, adding, “France has never wavered standing by Israel’s side.”
Attempting to blunt criticism, Macron labeled the recognition “a defeat for Hamas” and vowed support for a French-Saudi peace plan prioritizing the release of the 48 hostages still in Gaza and a cessation of hostilities. He called Hamas “vanquished militarily” and demanded its political dismantling, proposing that the Palestinian Authority (PA) take control of Gaza with international backing.
France pledged readiness to contribute troops and resources to an international stabilization force, help rebuild Gaza, and equip PA security forces to “disarm and dismantle Hamas.” Macron further pressed PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas to implement democratic reforms and exclude Hamas from governance. Abbas, appearing via video, thanked France, condemned Hamas’ October 7 massacre, and called on Israel to return to the negotiating table.
Still, Macron’s remarks contained veiled threats: he warned that France’s cooperation with Israel would now be “indexed” to Israel’s willingness to halt its Gaza operations and re-enter talks. He floated the possibility of opening a French embassy to the “State of Palestine” once all hostages are released and a ceasefire is in place.
Following France’s move, Monaco, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Malta also announced recognition of Palestinian statehood, joining Britain, Australia, Canada, and Portugal, which made similar declarations on Sunday.
For Israel, the wave of recognitions represents a dangerous precedent: rewarding the Palestinian leadership while Hamas still holds hostages, terrorism remains active, and no binding peace framework exists. Critics warn that Macron’s “peace plan” may embolden extremists and weaken Israel’s security leverage, turning symbolism into a strategic risk.
