Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statement on Gaza - France goes To Support Palestine State

26th July 2025

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statement on the situation in Gaza.

The appalling scenes in Gaza are unrelenting. The continued captivity of hostages, the starvation and denial of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, the increasing violence from extremist settler groups, and Israel's disproportionate military escalation in Gaza are all indefensible.

Alongside our closest allies, I am working on a pathway to peace in the region, focused on the practical solutions that will make a real difference to the lives of those that are suffering in this war.

That pathway will set out the concrete steps needed to turn the ceasefire so desperately needed, into a lasting peace.

Recognition of a Palestinian state has to be one of those steps. I am unequivocal about that. But it must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis. This is the way to ensure it is a tool of maximum utility to improve the lives of those who are suffering - which of course, will always be our ultimate goal.

France's Current Position on Palestine (July 2025)

France has made a historic shift in its Middle East policy by announcing its intent to formally recognize the State of Palestine. Here's a breakdown of the latest developments:

🗣️ Macron's Announcement
On July 24, 2025, President Emmanuel Macron declared that France will formally recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September2.

Macron stated: "In keeping 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."

🌍 International Reactions
Palestinian Authority and Hamas welcomed the move, calling it a step toward justice and self-determination2.

Israel strongly condemned the decision, accusing France of "rewarding terrorism" and warning it could embolden Hamas4.

United States and Germany have rejected the recognition, with the U.S. warning it could trigger funding cuts to the UN.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed cautious support for a two-state solution but stopped short of immediate recognition6.

🇫🇷 Domestic Context
France is home to both Europe's largest Jewish and Muslim populations, making Middle East policy highly sensitive.

Macron's decision has sparked mixed reactions across the French political spectrum:

Left-wing parties hailed it as a moral victory.

Right-wing and far-right parties criticized it as premature and dangerous.

France's Current Position on Palestine (July 2025)

France has made a historic shift in its Middle East policy by announcing its intent to formally recognize the State of Palestine. Here's a breakdown of the latest developments:

🗣️ Macron's Announcement
On July 24, 2025, President Emmanuel Macron declared that France will formally recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September2.

Macron stated: "In keeping 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."

🌍 International Reactions
Palestinian Authority and Hamas welcomed the move, calling it a step toward justice and self-determination2.

Israel strongly condemned the decision, accusing France of "rewarding terrorism" and warning it could embolden Hamas4.

United States and Germany have rejected the recognition, with the U.S. warning it could trigger funding cuts to the UN.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed cautious support for a two-state solution but stopped short of immediate recognition6.

🇫🇷 Domestic Context
France is home to both Europe's largest Jewish and Muslim populations, making Middle East policy highly sensitive.

Macron's decision has sparked mixed reactions across the French political spectrum:

Left-wing parties hailed it as a moral victory.

Right-wing and far-right parties criticized it as premature and dangerous.

Strategic Implications
France becomes the first G7 nation and largest Western power to recognize Palestine.

This move could shift dynamics at the UN Security Council, where France joins China and Russia in recognizing Palestinian statehood.

It may pressure other European and global powers to follow suit, though resistance remains strong among key allies.