France Recognizes State of Palestine, Urges Immediate End to Gaza War; Hamas Welcomes Move
Paris / Gaza, 25 July – (PIC): French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday formally announced that France has recognized Palestine as an independent state. The announcement comes at a time when Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza has caused mass killings, famine, and widespread destruction of Palestinian communities.
In his statement, President Macron said, “To fulfill the historic commitment for a lasting and just peace in the Middle East, France has decided to recognize the independent State of Palestine.” He added that the recognition would be officially celebrated in September during the United Nations General Assembly session.
Macron emphasized that ending the war in Gaza and saving innocent civilian lives is the top priority. He called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all prisoners, and large-scale humanitarian aid for Gaza. He also stated the need to rebuild and secure Gaza, as well as to demilitarize Hamas.
The French President underlined that the establishment of a viable Palestinian state is essential for peace and that such a state must be recognized internationally. He said that if the Palestinian state agrees to disarm and fully recognize Israel, it can play a major role in ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Macron noted that French citizens want peace in the Middle East and that France bears a responsibility to work with Israel, Palestinians, European allies, and global partners to achieve it.
He also revealed that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas had provided assurances, and in response, Macron sent him a letter confirming France’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state.
This landmark move by France comes as Israel continues its devastating war on Gaza since 2023, aiming to erase Palestinian presence through siege, famine, and mass killings. Observers see France’s decision as a crucial step in supporting Palestinians’ right to self-determination and acknowledging their sovereignty over their historic homeland.
Hamas Welcomes France’s Decision to Recognize State of Palestine
Gaza – The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement to formally recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session.
In a statement received by the Palestinian Information Center, Hamas called the move a “positive and significant step in the right direction,” describing it as an important act of justice for the oppressed Palestinian people. The group emphasized that this recognition supports the Palestinian right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Hamas noted that France’s stance reflects growing international awareness of the Palestinian cause and exposes the failure of Israel’s “false narratives” aimed at misleading the world.
The movement urged other countries, particularly European states, to follow France’s lead in recognizing the State of Palestine and supporting Palestinians’ inalienable rights, including the right of return, self-determination, and full sovereignty.
Hamas stressed that such international steps increase political and moral pressure on Israel, which continues its aggression, genocide, and use of starvation as a weapon in Gaza while expanding settlements and tightening its occupation in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
Calling this a “historic milestone,” Hamas said the decision proves that the free nations and governments of the world are increasingly standing with the Palestinian people, and urged the global community to take stronger action in support of justice.
