French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, expressing hope that the move will contribute to peace in the Middle East.

In a message published on social media, Macron shared a letter he sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, outlining France’s intention to become the first major Western power to officially recognize Palestine as a sovereign state.

“I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine. I will make the solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September.”  Macron wrote.

Macron stressed that the immediate priority must be an end to the war in Gaza and urgent humanitarian assistance for civilians. He called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and large-scale humanitarian aid, alongside the disarmament of Hamas and the reconstruction of Gaza.

“The urgency today is to end the war in Gaza and to provide aid to the civilian population. Peace is possible. There must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. It is also necessary to ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza. Finally, it is essential to build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and enable it, by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East.”

He underscored the importance of building a viable and demilitarized Palestinian state that fully recognizes Israel and contributes to regional security. “There is no alternative,” Macron stated, adding that the French people support peace and that it is up to international partners—including Israelis, Palestinians, and Europeans—to make it happen.

Macron praised Abbas for his commitments, including support for the two-state solution, condemnation of the October 7 attacks by Hamas, and pledges to assume full administrative responsibility across all Palestinian territories, carry out reforms, and hold elections in 2026.