Egypt lauds Macron’s ‘historic step’ to recognize Palestinian state, urges nations to follow suit

CAIRO – 25 July 2025: Egypt has welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to recognize the Palestinian state, calling the announcement a “landmark and historic” step and urging other countries to follow suit.

In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Macron’s announcement supports global efforts aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian state along the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Egypt urged all other countries that have not yet made the decision to recognize the Palestinian state to take the step, as a testament of the global community's commitment to reaching a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian cause.

The ministry underlined the principles of peace and justice and the necessity of supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right to self-determination.

Egypt emphasized the importance of regional and international efforts to end the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people, underscoring the moral and legal responsibility that falls on all members of the international community and the UN Security Council.

The ministry called for these parties to intervene to stop the practices, crimes, and policies of starvation perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces in the occupied Palestinian territories, thereby contributing to the maintenance of regional and international peace and security.

In a statement on Thursday, Macron said he decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine before the UN General Assembly in September “consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Macron’s decision has been widely hailed by the Gulf and Arab states, who hailed the step as “courageous.”

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the step will contribute to establishing peace based on the two-state solution.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi said Macron’s move reflects France’s “firm commitment to the principles of justice and international legitimacy” and its “tireless efforts to consolidate the foundations of global security and stability.”

The Arab Parliament said the step embodies a commitment to the values of justice, freedom, and human dignity.

On the other hand, Israel and the US have slammed Macron for the move, stating that it rewards Hamas amid the ongoing war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Macron’s step “rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy,” claiming that “the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed strong rejection of Macron’s “reckless” decision, claiming that it “serves Hamas propaganda” and represents “a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.”

Macron earlier in July called for France and the United Kingdom to jointly recognize the State of Palestine as the war in Gaza has entered its 22nd month, killing nearly 60,000 Palestinian people.

In his Thursday statement, Macron affirmed the necessity to “build the State of Palestine, guarantee its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the region.”

“There is no alternative,” he stressed.