Macron says France could recognize Palestinian state ‘in June’

Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron indicated on Wednesday that France plans to recognize a Palestinian state within the next few months. In an interview with France 5 television, he said the country is moving in that direction and expects to take the step soon.

Macron, who visited Egypt this week, also mentioned that France is aiming to co-host a conference with Saudi Arabia in New York this June, where several parties could agree on mutual recognition of a Palestinian state, AFP reported.

President Emmanuel Macron said he plans to recognize a Palestinian state because he believes that at some point it will be right and because he also wants to participate in a collective dynamic, which must also allow all those who defend Palestine to recognize Israel in turn, which many of them do not do.

Macron added that such a step would allow France to take a clear stance against those who deny Israel’s existence, citing Iran as an example. He emphasized France’s commitment to regional security.

France has traditionally supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. However, official recognition of a Palestinian state would represent a significant shift in French policy and could strain relations with Israel, which opposes unilateral recognition by other countries.

During his visit to Egypt, Macron also held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II.