RAMALLAH, September 22, 2025 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas warmly welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s official recognition of the independent and sovereign State of Palestine, describing it as a historic and crucial step toward achieving just and lasting peace.

In his speech at the International Conference on a Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York, President Macron said: “Since last July, events have escalated at a frightening pace… It is our responsibility to preserve the two-state solution—Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. Therefore, in line with France’s historic commitment in the Middle East, I declare France’s recognition of the State of Palestine.”

Macron added, “It is our collective duty to protect everyone without exception. This is an indivisible obligation. The way to break the cycle of war and destruction is to recognize the other—in their legitimacy, humanity, and dignity.” 

He also emphasized the international responsibility to fulfill the United Nations’ promises to the Palestinian people and acknowledged the shared accountability for past failures in establishing comprehensive and just peace in the region.

“The time has come to end the war on Gaza and stop the massacres. The time has come to achieve peace,” Macron said.

President Abbas praised France’s recognition of the State of Palestine, underlining that it represents a vital and necessary step toward achieving a just and lasting peace in accordance with international legitimacy.

He said this recognition affirms the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, freedom, and independence, paving the way for the implementation of the two-state solution, where Palestine and Israel live side by side in peace, security, and good neighborliness.

The President stressed that the immediate priorities are a ceasefire, the delivery of humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages and prisoners, Israel’s full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the assumption of full responsibilities by the State of Palestine, alongside recovery, reconstruction, halting settlements, and stopping settler violence.

He reaffirmed Palestine’s commitment to all reforms and obligations previously pledged in his official correspondence to President Macron, emphasizing the ongoing agenda to strengthen governance, accountability, and the rule of law.

M.N