PARIS, KOMPAS.com - President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France will become the first Western member of the UN Security Council to recognize the state of Palestine next September has sparked a diplomatic row involving countries in the Middle East, Europe, and even Washington.

This step, namely that France will recognize the state of Palestine, although surprising, was not a decision taken lightly.

In April 2025, while visiting the Egyptian city of Al-Arish, which borders Gaza, Macron was confronted with a worsening humanitarian crisis. Upon returning to Paris, he announced that France would soon vote to recognize Palestine.

"It's increasingly clear that we can't wait to find partners," said a French diplomat, signaling Macron's seriousness in taking this step even though it has not yet received widespread support, as reported by Reuters on Saturday (26/7/2025).

Macron attempted to build a coalition with G7 countries, including the UK and Canada, to support the recognition of Palestinian statehood. However, despite lengthy negotiations, he failed to persuade other countries to join.

London and Ottawa did not want to damage relations with the United States, so Macron decided to act alone.

Domestically, this decision has further increased pressure on Macron. The backlash against the horrific images from Gaza has prompted him to act immediately.

Amid Europe's largest Muslim and Jewish communities and political polarization, Macron's decision will not be easily accepted by all parties.

Israel and its ally, the United States, strongly criticized the French move, calling it a gift to the militant group Hamas that rules Gaza.

Macron had previously held lengthy discussions with former US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the issue.

Trump said France's decision would not have a major impact, but he still praised Macron as a"good guy."

UN conference plans

Macron's plan to announce recognition of a Palestinian state was considered at a conference scheduled for June 2025, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia.

The conference aimed to develop a roadmap to an independent Palestinian state while ensuring Israel's security. However, the conference was postponed following Israeli airstrikes on Iran and diplomatic pressure from the US.

Macron's latest announcement, on Thursday (24/7/2025), related to the change in the conference schedule which is now planned to take place on Monday (28/7/2025) and Tuesday (29/7/2025).

The meeting will be held at the ministerial level, with a summit involving heads of state on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September. Macron will announce the official recognition of the state of Palestine.