A new French survey reveals overwhelming opposition to President Macron’s push for Palestinian recognition, with most citizens demanding the release of hostages and Hamas’ disarmament first.
As President Emmanuel Macron prepares to announce France’s recognition of a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly, a new poll has delivered a stunning rebuke: 71% of French citizens oppose such recognition until Hamas surrenders and Israeli hostages are freed.
The survey, commissioned by the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions (CRIF), found that only 29% back Macron’s plan for immediate recognition. Far from being a diplomatic victory, the findings highlight how deeply ordinary French people distrust the Palestinian leadership and reject shortcuts that reward terror.
Key takeaways from the poll:
- 71% oppose recognition before Hamas disarms and hostages are released.
- 68% see antisemitism as not only a Jewish issue, but a direct threat to French society itself.
- Alarmingly, 31% of young adults (18–24) consider attacks on Jews in France over the Gaza war “legitimate,” exposing the rise of radicalization among France’s youth.
The results stand in stark contrast to Macron’s declaration in July: “France will recognize the State of Palestine… I will make a ceremonial announcement at the United Nations General Assembly in September.” His statement was widely criticized for undermining Israel’s security while failing to demand accountability from Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
Analysts warn that Macron’s unilateral recognition risks emboldening Hamas, boosting antisemitic violence at home, and destabilizing Europe’s fragile security climate.
For Israel, the poll underscores a critical truth: Western publics understand what their leaders ignore — peace cannot be built on the legitimization of terror.
