Macron Urges Starmer to Recognize Palestine, Israel Objects

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to formally recognize Palestine as an independent state. According to The Telegraph, Paris is stepping up diplomatic pressure on London, promoting recognition as part of a broader international initiative to resolve the Middle East conflict.

Macron’s proposal has already prompted a strong reaction from Israel. Israeli officials warned that such moves by Western nations “effectively reward Hamas” and undermine global efforts to combat terrorism. Jerusalem insists that recognizing Palestine amid ongoing hostilities from Gaza would be seen as “a reward for terror.”

Earlier this year, Macron signaled his readiness to consider Palestinian statehood recognition as part of a wider peace framework that includes a ceasefire, security guarantees for Israel, disarmament of Hamas, and restoration of humanitarian control in Gaza to the Palestinian Authority. France, together with Saudi Arabia, had announced plans for a special UN conference on the matter, but the event was postponed due to rising tensions in the region.

Following the Labour Party’s victory in the UK, Macron appears hopeful that Britain’s position may shift. During the election campaign, Labour pledged that “recognizing Palestine is a matter of justice,” though Starmer himself remained cautious, emphasizing adherence to international law and Israel’s right to security.

The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, continues to oppose unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood. Officials in Jerusalem argue that any diplomatic resolution must result from direct negotiations and be contingent on the disarmament of militant groups, primarily Hamas.

Paris is expected to intensify diplomatic efforts with key EU and UN partners in the coming weeks, with Palestinian recognition likely to remain high on the international agenda. Macron recently stated in an interview that Palestinian statehood “is not a taboo” and could be used as “a lever of pressure” to secure a lasting peace.