Hamas Says France Plan To Recognise Palestinian State ‘Important Step’
In a development seen by many as a potential turning point in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France could formally recognise a Palestinian state by June. The move has been praised by Palestinian officials and criticised by Israel.
Mahmud Mardawi, a senior official from Hamas, called France’s announcement “an important step” and said it could represent a meaningful shift in the international community’s support for Palestinian rights. “If implemented, it would mark a positive development toward recognising our people’s legitimate aspirations for freedom, independence, and a state with Jerusalem as its capital,” Mardawi said.
Macron, speaking to French media following his visit to Egypt, emphasized the urgency of progress toward peace. “We must move towards recognition, and we will do so in the coming months,” he said, suggesting the recognition could take place at a United Nations conference in New York.
France’s position carries significant diplomatic weight as it is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Varsen Aghabekian Shahin welcomed the announcement, calling it a step toward upholding Palestinian rights and the two-state solution.
However, the move has faced sharp criticism from Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the initiative “a prize for terror and a boost for Hamas,” arguing it would undermine regional stability rather than promote peace.
France would join nearly 150 countries, including Ireland, Norway, Spain, and Slovenia, that have recognised Palestinian statehood—many of which have acted in response to growing global concern over the humanitarian toll of Israel’s military actions in Gaza since the Hamas-led attack in October 2023.
As diplomatic momentum builds, the world watches closely to see whether France’s decision could reinvigorate stalled peace efforts—or deepen existing divides.
News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”
