President Emmanuel Macron will formally recognise a Palestinian state in New York on Monday, backed by several other European countries, describing France's move as a necessity.
Coming hard on the heels of a decision by the UK, Canada and Australia, Macron said his move would be the beginning of a political process and a peace and security plan for everybody.
France, like the UK, carries considerable diplomatic weight as both a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the G7, and is co-ordinating the push with Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of this week's UN General Assembly.
Paris will not be joined by two of the other big European states in the G7, Germany and Italy, and not by the US either.
Israel has denounced the move as a reward for Hamas, and its UN ambassador has called Monday's event a circus.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted there will be no Palestinian state to the west of the River Jordan, and President Isaac Herzog said recognising one would only embolden the forces of darkness.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot was adamant that his country's move was a categorical rejection of Hamas but said it was symbolic, immediate, and political, demonstrating France's commitment to the two-state solution.
Macron’s act is seen not only as a diplomatic shift but also reflects internal pressures from pro-Palestinian voices in France, evidenced by public demonstrations and the raising of Palestinian flags at various locations across the country.
Moreover, Macron emphasized the necessity of a phased approach to peace, which includes a ceasefire, releasing of hostages, and subsequent governance and reconstruction plans for Gaza.
In contrast, Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that recognition of a Palestinian state is not currently prioritized, indicating a more cautious approach within Germany's government, which has traditionally been a strong ally of Israel.
As European nations continue to navigate their diplomatic relations surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the responses to Macron's recognition signal a broader debate on the region’s future and the paths available toward achieving lasting peace.
