Macron Weighs Palestinian State Recognition Ahead UN Gaza Conference

French President Emmanuel Macron is considering recognizing a Palestinian state, signaling a significant shift in France's Middle East policy as part of efforts to revive the two-state solution amid escalating violence in Gaza and the West Bank. Macron plans to co-host a United Nations conference with Saudi Arabia in June aimed at advancing a roadmap for Palestinian statehood while ensuring Israel's security. While this move could position France as the first major Western power to formally recognize Palestine, it risks deepening divisions within the European Union and with the United States, Israel's closest ally, and might be seen as premature without accompanying measures like sanctions or trade restrictions. Israel has strongly opposed the recognition, viewing it as a reward for terrorism and threatening retaliatory actions, including reduced intelligence cooperation and accusations of antisemitism against Macron and allied leaders. Critics warn that unilateral recognition could undermine peace negotiations by lessening Palestinian incentives to engage in talks, but Macron and French officials argue that symbolic acts are necessary to maintain momentum for a two-state solution before it disappears. Despite uncertainty about the final decision, Macron's stance reflects growing urgency in Paris to act amid the ongoing conflict and civilian casualties in Gaza, aiming to leave a lasting legacy before his term ends in 2027.