French President Emmanuel Macron announced on X that France intends to officially recognize the “State of Palestine” at the United Nations General Assembly scheduled for next September.

“The French people desire peace in the Middle East,” Macron stated in a publicly shared letter translated into English. “We must work alongside Israelis, Palestinians, and our European and international allies to prove that peace is achievable.”

The letter, addressed to the President of the Palestinian Authority, claimed that “peace is possible.”

In explaining France’s decision, Macron highlighted the urgent need for an “immediate ceasefire,” the release of all hostages, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also asserted the necessity for Hamas to be disarmed and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned France’s move to recognize the Palestinian state on Thursday. (Israeli Government Press Office via AP)

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli addressed Macron directly in a post on X, writing on behalf of the Israeli government and attaching a viral video that appears to show French First Lady Brigitte Macron slapping the president.

Knesset Member Avigdor Liberman also condemned the move, writing on X: “Recognition of a Palestinian state is a reward for terror and an encouragement to Hamas — an organization that committed the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. This is not justice, it is surrender to terror.”

Palestinians vie for food at a charity kitchen in the Mawasi area of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, July 22.   (AFP via Getty Images)

“Neither international conferences disconnected from reality nor unilateral statements at the UN will lead to peace,” said Danny Danon, Israeli ambassador to the UN. “Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state after the massacre of October 7 and precisely at a time when Hamas is still holding hostages is a disgraceful reward for terrorism. Anyone who ignores the reality on the ground — that Israel has no partner for peace — harms not only Israel but the stability of the entire region.”

The letter was delivered by the French Consul in Jersulaem, who declared via X that “France will proceed with the full recognition of the State of Palestine in September.”

France has taken increasingly staunch measures against Israel in its fight for peace in the Middle East recently. 

Earlier this week, France signed a joint condemnation with over 20 other nations regarding the reported death of 800 Palestinians in Gaza at aid sites.

“We will achieve peace,” Macron concluded.