French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to formally recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, following a letter shared with the leader of the Palestinian Authority. In his letter, Macron emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the provision of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. He also called for the demilitarization of Hamas and the reconstruction of Gaza, asserting that peace is possible in the Middle East through collective efforts with Israel, the Palestinians, and international partners. The announcement has sparked immediate backlash from Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who condemned the move as a reward for terrorism and a threat to Israel’s security. Netanyahu accused Macron of enabling a potential Iranian proxy and warned that a Palestinian state would become a launchpad for attacks on Israel. Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin called the recognition a ‘black stain on France’s history’ and a boost to terrorism, emphasizing that the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people. Meanwhile, France has continued to take a firm stance on Israel in the Middle East, recently joining over 20 nations in condemning reports of civilian casualties in Gaza. Macron’s decision reflects a broader international push for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but it has also intensified tensions between France and Israel, with both sides presenting starkly different narratives on the path to peace.