Following President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of France’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine, a ministerial conference will take place on Monday, July 28, 2025, in New York, under the auspices of the United Nations. The aim is to advance the two-state solution. France will be represented by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who will deliver a strong message: to transform the recognition of Palestine into a collective international movement.
Macron’s decision, which is expected to be officially enacted in September during the UN General Assembly, marks a significant shift in French foreign policy in the Middle East. In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Barrot explained that the urgency of the situation — particularly in Gaza and the West Bank — necessitated prompt action. Macron therefore made the announcement without waiting for all preconditions to be fulfilled, in an effort to inject new political momentum into the peace process.
A Strategic Turning Point
Barrot described the recognition not as an end, but as a starting point in a broader diplomatic strategy. He noted that “the prospect of a Palestinian state has never been more threatened — nor more essential.” The move aims to restore a political perspective and reaffirm France’s long-standing commitment to peace in the region.
As part of this new phase, France is working to persuade other G7 nations to join in recognizing Palestine and is encouraging key Arab states to make tangible commitments toward ensuring Israel’s security.
“This is just the beginning,” said Barrot, adding, “We will work tirelessly.” At the upcoming conference in New York, he is expected to issue a call for broader international support to bolster France’s initiative and legitimize the path toward a two-state solution.
Source: RFI
