France Recognizes Palestine: EU Divided on Gaza War 2025

France’s recognition of Palestine highlights deep EU divisions over the Gaza war, exposing sharp faultlines in Europe’s Middle East policy.

France’s Palestine Move Exposes EU Middle East Divisions

France officially recognized the State of Palestine, adding to a rising number of nations pushing Israel to stop its military campaign in Gaza. The act, confirmed by President Emmanuel Macron in anticipation of the UN General Assembly, highlighted increasing splits within the European Union regarding the conflict in the Middle East.

Macron stated that recognition was necessary to end what he referred to as the “cycle of war and destruction” between Israelis and Palestinians. He emphasized that the move was contingent upon the establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages who were captured during Hamas’s October 2023 assault on Israel.

Portugal, Malta and Luxembourg were next in line to follow France in recognising Palestinian statehood, with Belgium announcing it would do so as soon as hostages are freed and Hamas is disarmed. EU Council President António Costa stated that most EU members officially recognise Palestine now, following the same action from the UK, Australia and Canada this week.

But large EU nations Germany, Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic are still opposed, not sanctioning Israel even after a UN report concluded its Gaza actions constitute genocide.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed backing for a two-state solution, stating peace needed “a secure Israel, a viable Palestinian state, and the scourge of Hamas removed.” She also said the EU would establish a donor group in order to secure the financial sustainability of a future Palestinian state.

France recognises Palestine, sparking EU split on Gaza crisis and peace efforts.