By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – French President Emmanuel Macronon Thursday has said that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming 80th session of the UN General Assembly in September.
“The urgent need today is to end the war in Gaza and to rescue the civilian population,” Macron said on his official X account.
He emphasized the necessity for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the delivery of massive humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, media reported.
Macron underscored the broader vision behind France’s recognition of Palestine, said “We must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East.”
He said in a formal letter addressed to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that the urgent need is to achieve the only viable solution (two-state solution) to meet the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, put an end to terrorism and all forms of violence, and ensure lasting peace and security for Israel and the entire region”.
Macron underscored the broader vision behind France’s recognition of Palestine, stated “We must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East.”
Macron said that France would recognize the Palestinian state during an international conference on Palestine, co-chaired with Saudi Arabia in New York in June.
The international conference has been postponed until the end of July under pressure from the US.
“Today the most urgent thing is that the war in Gaza cease and the civilian population be helped,” Macron said.
His statement came as anger mounted across the world over the continued Israeli military operation in Gaza and growing starvation there.
France would become the first of the Group of Seven major industrialized nations — also including the US, Britain, Canada, Germany, Japan and Italy to recognize a Palestinian state.
The announcement came on the same day that the US and Israel walked away from Gaza cease-fire talks in Qatar, accusing Hamas of not acting in good faith.
