AJC Statement on France’s Announcement to Formally Recognize Palestinian Statehood

Today's announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron to formally and unilaterally recognize Palestinian statehood without any preconditions at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September comes at an extremely troubling time, with Hamas continuing to reject proposals for a ceasefire and the return of the remaining hostages.

Three months ago, the President declared that France might recognize a Palestinian state - but only under certain conditions: the release of the hostages still held in Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas.

Today, those conditions have not been met.

President Macron's announcement follows a statement today from U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff, who said that the U.S. had decided to bring home its negotiating team from Doha after "the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza."

By offering recognition without conditions - and without demanding the release of hostages or the disarmament of Hamas - France removes any incentive for compromise. It sends a dangerous message: you can get what you want through violence, without giving anything in return.

It only emboldens terror groups like Hamas by legitimizing violence and hostage-taking as viable tactics to achieve political goals. It undermines efforts by leaders across Europe and the Middle East, who are still working toward a negotiated two-state solution. France has undercut its own credibility as an honest broker - a role it has long claimed in the Middle East.

AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 regional offices across the United States, 15 overseas posts, as well as partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations worldwide, AJC's mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. For more, please visit www.ajc.org .

###