France recognises Palestinian statehood, Macron tells UN general assembly

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said in a speech at the United Nations General Assembly that France formally recognised the State of Palestine, a move that drew sharp criticism from both Israel and the United States.

“France recognises today the State of Palestine,” Macron declared before hundreds of UN delegates, calling it “for peace between the Israeli and the Palestinian people.”

In his address, Macron urged an end to Israel’s war in Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and renewed efforts towards a two-state solution. “The time for peace has come, as we are just moments away from no longer being able to seize it,” he said. “The time has come to free the 48 hostages held by Hamas. The time has come to stop the war, the bombings of Gaza, the massacres and the displacement.”

Israeli backlash

Israel condemned the announcement, warning of consequences. Its UN ambassador Danny Danon said, “We will take action,” accusing Macron of “supporting terrorism” rather than promoting peace.

Wider diplomatic push

Macron has been lobbying for wider recognition of Palestine, with the UK, Canada and Australia also making the move on Sunday. More European nations are expected to follow. Saudi Arabia co-hosted the conference with France, and Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan called on the world to join in condemning “Israel’s brutal crimes.”

“The time has come because the emergency is everywhere,” Macron added. “The time for peace is now, because it will soon be too late to grab the moment.”

The step is seen as a diplomatic win for Macron, though it has heightened tensions with Israel and the US, both firmly opposed to Palestinian statehood recognition.