French President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated France’s commitment to the Middle East peace process, supporting the recognition of Palestine as a state under specific conditions. In a recent post on social media platform X, Macron emphasized that France’s stance is clear: “Yes to peace. Yes to Israel’s security. Yes to a Palestinian state without Hamas.”
Macron’s statement comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, and his position reflects France’s broader diplomatic efforts to push for a two-state solution. The French president stressed the need for certain conditions to be met in order for lasting peace to prevail. These include the release of all hostages, a lasting ceasefire, the immediate restoration of humanitarian aid, and the search for a political solution that follows the two-state principle.
“The only path possible is a political one. I support the legitimate right of Palestinians to a state and to peace, just as I support the right of Israelis to live in peace and security, both recognized by their neighbors,” Macron stated.
Upcoming Conference on Two-State Solution
Macron also highlighted the importance of the upcoming conference on the two-state solution, which is scheduled for June 2025. He called the event a “turning point” and urged all parties involved to remain focused on diplomatic efforts.
“To succeed, we must not ease our efforts. Let us not give in to shortcuts or provocations. Let us not allow any misinformation and manipulation to spread,” he added.
This push for peace comes at a time when many nations have already recognized Palestine as an independent state. However, Israel remains firmly opposed to recognizing Palestine as a separate state due to the October 2023 Hamas attack.
Global Recognition of Palestine
Palestine, which comprises the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, is recognized by over 140 of the 193 United Nations member countries. While much of the recognition has come from countries in the Global South, there have been significant recognitions from Western Europe, such as Sweden, which became the first Western European country to recognize Palestine in 2014.
Despite these recognitions, Israel continues to block Palestinian statehood, citing security concerns related to Hamas. The situation has remained tense, with little progress toward peace in recent years.
U.S. Proposal for Gaza
In February 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed an alternative plan for Gaza, suggesting the relocation of Palestinians from the region to neighboring Jordan and Egypt. He also proposed sending American troops to Gaza to help rebuild the war-torn area and create a new “Middle Eastern Riviera.” However, this controversial plan has been met with skepticism and criticism.
As the peace process continues to unfold, Macron’s call for a Palestinian state remains a delicate issue, balancing the need for peace with the complex realities of the region. The upcoming conference in June could serve as a pivotal moment in shaping the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
