France plans to recognise Palestine as an independent state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday, expressing hope that the move would help bring peace to the region. However, the decision was met with strong criticism from Israel and the United States.

Macron revealed the plan on social media, where he also shared a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The letter confirmed France's commitment to go ahead with recognising Palestine and working to persuade other nations to do the same.

"True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the state of Palestine," Macron said.

"I will make this solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September."

France, which has the largest Jewish and Muslim populations in Europe, would be the first major Western power to recognise Palestine as a state. So far, recognition has mostly come from smaller countries that tend to be more critical of Israel.

The announcement led to angry reactions from both Israel and the United States.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the move by France, which is one of Israel's closest allies and a member of the G7. He said the recognition would "reward terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy."

In a post on X, he added, "A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel, not to live in peace beside it.

"Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel."

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also condemned the plan. He described it as "a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism," and said Israel would not allow the creation of a "Palestinian entity that would harm our security, endanger our existence."

Responding to the announcement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States "strongly rejects (Macron's) plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly."

He stated on X, "This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th."

"The United States strongly rejects Emmanuel Macron's plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly", Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X.

France clarified that its decision to recognise Palestine goes against the position of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group.

"Hamas has always ruled out a two-state solution. By recognising Palestine, France goes against that terrorist organisation," Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot wrote Friday on X.

"By recognising Palestine, France goes against (Hamas)," Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on X.

Spain and Saudi Arabia supported Macron’s decision.

Earlier, Canada had urged Israel to focus on peace. Prime Minister Mark Carney criticised Israel for its "failure to prevent the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza" and repeated Canada’s support for a two-state solution.

Carney also accused Israel of breaching international law by blocking aid funded by Canada from reaching civilians in Gaza.

"Canada calls on all sides to negotiate an immediate ceasefire in good faith," he added.

"We reiterate our calls for Hamas to immediately release all the hostages, and for the Israeli government to respect the territorial integrity of the West Bank and Gaza."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, whose government already recognises Palestine as a state, welcomed Macron’s announcement.

"Together, we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution," said the Socialist leader, who has been vocal in criticising Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

"I welcome the fact that France joins Spain and other European countries in recognising the State of Palestine," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on X.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry also welcomed Macron’s "historic decision".

"The Kingdom reiterates its call for all countries that have not yet recognised the State of Palestine to take similar positive steps and adopt serious positions that support peace and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people."

In a diplomatic cable from June, the United States had stated its opposition to any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. It warned that such a move could conflict with US foreign policy and might lead to consequences.

Also in June, the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said he no longer believed that an independent Palestinian state was a goal of American foreign policy.

President Donald Trump had earlier questioned the idea of a two-state solution. In February, he proposed that the United States should take control of Gaza, a suggestion that was widely criticised by rights groups, Arab nations, Palestinians and the United Nations, which described it as "ethnic cleansing".

Macron had been considering recognition of Palestine for several months, as part of an effort to keep the two-state solution relevant, even though he faced pressure not to go ahead.

French officials had initially planned to announce the recognition ahead of a United Nations conference that France and Saudi Arabia were set to co-host in June. The conference aimed to create a roadmap for a Palestinian state while ensuring Israel’s security.

However, the event was delayed due to US pressure and the outbreak of a 12-day air war between Israel and Iran. The conflict led to regional airspace closures, which made it difficult for some Arab representatives to attend.

The conference was later rescheduled and downgraded to a ministerial-level meeting on July 28 and July 29. A second meeting will be held alongside the UN General Assembly in September, involving heads of state and government leaders.

The timing of Macron’s announcement was meant to build momentum ahead of the July conference and help French diplomats coordinate with other countries that are either planning to recognise Palestine or are undecided.

Diplomats said Macron’s initiative has faced pushback from allies like Britain and Canada. Around 40 foreign ministers are expected to attend the New York event next week.

Israeli authorities have reportedly been lobbying against Macron’s decision for months. Some officials have described the move as “a nuclear bomb” for France-Israel relations.

People familiar with the situation said Israel had warned France that its actions could lead to reduced intelligence cooperation and complications for French initiatives in the region. There were even suggestions that Israel might annexe parts of the West Bank.

Israel has continued its military campaign in Gaza since the Hamas-led attack on its territory in October 2023. It argues that recognising Palestine at this time would be the same as rewarding Hamas.

Palestinian Authority Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh expressed gratitude to France. In a post on X, he said Macron’s decision showed- "France's commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people's rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state."