French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of his intention to officially recognize the State of Palestine next September was widely welcomed by Arab countries, which viewed the French move as a qualitative leap toward promoting the rights of the Palestinian people and supporting efforts for a just and comprehensive peace in the region. This decision came amid tense regional and international conditions amid the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza and escalating tensions in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
The State of Qatar welcomed France’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine, describing it as “a positive step that supports the historical rights of the Palestinian people.” In an official statement, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that this step “reflects the growing international trend toward justice for the Palestinian people and enabling them to exercise their legitimate rights in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.” Qatar called on all countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to take similar steps to enhance the chances of achieving a two-state solution and ensuring security and stability in the region.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also welcomed France’s decision, affirming its steadfast support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967, borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated in its statement that international recognition of the Palestinian state represents an essential step toward achieving a two-state solution in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
For its part, the United Arab Emirates issued a statement calling on the international community to take similar steps to support the historical and political rights of Palestinians, considering the French recognition “an important addition to efforts to end the conflict.” Bahrain, Kuwait, and the Sultanate of Oman also welcomed the decision, and statements from their foreign ministries affirmed that it constitutes support for a just peace that guarantees security and stability in the region.
Egypt, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the decision, considering that the French decision “reflects Paris’ commitment to the two-state solution and revives hope for a political settlement.” Cairo called on all permanent members of the Security Council to recognize Palestine to ensure the implementation of relevant international resolutions.
In Jordan, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi expressed his country’s appreciation for the French decision, stressing that it “is consistent with the Jordanian position calling for full recognition of Palestine as a necessary step toward ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state.” The Kingdom of Morocco welcomed the French move, affirming its continued efforts to support the legitimate rights of Palestinians. Tunisia and Algeria welcomed the decision, considering it an important step toward reviving the peace process and ending the occupation.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry’s statement said the decision “represents a bias toward international legitimacy and the historical rights of the Palestinian people,” calling on the international community to assume its responsibilities in halting Israeli violations. For its part, the Arab League welcomed the French decision, considering it a step that reflects a growing international awareness of the need to end the occupation and enable the Palestinian people to establish their independent, sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital. In a statement, League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit called on all European Union countries to take similar steps to enhance the chances of achieving a two-state solution. The French decision comes weeks after Spain, Ireland, and Norway announced their recognition of the Palestinian state, indicating a significant shift in the positions of some European countries regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, especially in light of the ongoing war on Gaza since October 2023.
Observers believe that this recognition will increase pressure on Israel to return to serious negotiations and give the Palestinians political and legal momentum in international forums. While the Israeli Foreign Ministry considered the French move a “dangerous escalation that undermines the chances of peace,” the Palestinian Authority and various Palestinian factions welcomed it, describing it as an important political victory.
