PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine in September has drawn widespread backing from European leaders, with some hailing it as a vital step toward Middle East peace, while others voiced caution.

Macron declared Thursday on X that France will formalize its recognition of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly this September.

“I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,” he said, calling it a move rooted in France’s “historic commitment to a just and lasting peace.”

The announcement was welcomed by several European leaders. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said: “This is an important contribution towards implementing the two-state solution, which offers the only lasting basis for peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, whose country recently recognized Palestine, wrote: “I welcome that France joins Spain and other European countries. Together, we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution.”

Scottish First Minister John Swinney urged the UK to follow suit, calling the recognition “essential for peace.”

Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon praised France’s move as “a bold step for peace,” reaffirming her country’s commitment to a negotiated two-state solution based on international law.

The Czech Republic reiterated its support for Palestinian statehood but emphasized that recognition must come through direct Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Czech President Petr Pavel echoed this stance while speaking in Japan.

Other governments, including Germany and Italy, adopted a more cautious approach.

Germany said it does not plan to recognize Palestine in the near term.

Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius stated that Berlin sees recognition as “one of the final steps” in the peace process, which must be achieved through dialogue.

He stressed the immediate need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages, and Hamas’s disarmament.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reiterated Rome’s support for a two-state solution, but emphasized that recognition should be reciprocal.

“Recognition of the new Palestinian state must take place at the same time as their recognition of the state of Israel,” he told members of his Forza Italia party.

Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said he would submit a proposal to recognize Palestine before the UN General Assembly.

He underscored the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stressing the need for urgent aid access.

“Let us not lose sight of the most pressing urgency: the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza,” he said, calling for sustained pressure on Israel to allow large-scale aid delivery.

France is now set to become the first G7 member state to formally recognize Palestinian statehood. Currently, 149 out of 193 UN member countries recognize the State of Palestine. — Agencies