French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday the official recognition of Palestine as an independent state during an international conference focused on the two-state solution. His remarks were met with applause from the audience, as he stressed that this step is essential to break the “vicious circle of war and destruction” that has plagued the region for decades.
In his speech, Macron referred both to the plight of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and to the suffering of the civilian population in Gaza under Israel’s military offensive. “We are here because the time has come,” he declared, highlighting the urgent need to secure the release of the 48 hostages still held by the Islamist organization. The French president went further, stating that it is also time to end the war, the bombings of Gaza, the massacres, and the mass displacement of the population.
“The time for peace has come, because we are about to lose this opportunity,” Macron warned, stressing the risk of losing the narrow window for a negotiated solution. His declaration came just one day after other Western countries—including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal—also recognized an independent Palestinian state, marking a wave of diplomatic moves with significant symbolic impact.
However, not all Western governments joined this shift. Austria and Germany, along with the United States, have reiterated that they will not take this step for now. Washington, in particular, strongly criticized the decision by Paris and other allies. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that President Donald Trump sees the recognition “as a reward for Hamas,” arguing that it could undermine ongoing security efforts and negotiations in the region.
The controversy underscores the growing divide among transatlantic partners on the best way to advance toward lasting peace in the Middle East, at a time when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and diplomatic tensions are reaching critical levels.
