At the time of writing, 147 of the 193 member states of the United Nations have recognised Palestine as a sovereign state. So far none of seven states with the largest advanced economies (G7) have done so.

On 24 July 2025, President Macron of France made the announcement on X shown below.

Five days later UK Prime Minister threatened to recognise the state of Palestine unless Israel took a number of steps first, something Israeli Prime Minister refused to do.

President Macron’s Statement

Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine.

I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September.

The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and to bring relief to the civilian population.

Peace is possible.

We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza. And finally, we must 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.

The French people want peace in the Middle East. It is our responsibility — as French citizens, alongside Israelis, Palestinians, and our European and international partners — to prove that peace is possible.

In light of the commitments made to me by the President of the Palestinian Authority, I have written to him to express my determination to move forward.

Trust, clarity, and resolve.

We will achieve peace.

Letter to President of the Palestinian Authority

His statement was accompanied by a copy of the following letter to the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas.

What are the implications?

Recognition of one state’s sovereignty by another does not have any immediate consequences. However when widely recognised, especially by major countries such as the G7, it can help the recognised state to gain access to international markets, foreign investment, and economic assistance from international organizations.

At present Palestine is a “Permanent Observer State” at the UN and this allows it to participate in all of the Organization’s proceedings. However there are number of things it cannot do such as voting on draft resolutions and decisions in its main organs and bodies, from the Security Council to the General Assembly and its six main committees.