Ten Countries Recognize Palestine: France Warns Israel of "Clear Red Line"
2025 | Middle East Diplomacy
Historic Diplomatic Shift
This extraordinary diplomatic development represents the most significant synchronized Western move to support recognition of Palestine in years. It comes amid escalating regional tensions, the ongoing war in Gaza, and growing concerns about the complete collapse of the two-state solution.
Symbolic representation of international recognition of Palestine
The Ten Recognizing Nations
According to an advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, the countries involved in this coordinated recognition are:
Timeline of Recognition
The Portuguese Foreign Ministry announced Friday evening that Portugal will officially recognize Palestine on Sunday, September 21, ahead of a UN General Assembly session where about ten other countries are expected to take the same step.
French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver an official speech on Monday at 3:00 PM New York time (19:00 GMT), announcing his country's recognition of the Palestinian State, along with other positions supporting regional stability. The conference will be co-chaired by Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is expected to participate via video link.
| Date | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
| September 21, 2025 | Portugal announces recognition of Palestine | - |
| September 22, 2025 | New York conference and collective recognition announcement | 15:00 (New York) |
| September 22, 2025 | Summit on Palestinian issue co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France | - |
Reactions and Warnings
Israeli Threats
Facing this diplomatic movement, officials in the Israeli government hinted at the possibility of annexing large parts of the West Bank, a move seen as a political response to the increasing international recognition of Palestine.
French Warning
The French presidency quickly warned Tel Aviv against taking such a step, considering it a "clear red line". The French source emphasized that Paris calls on all parties to avoid escalation and sees the recognition of Palestine not as a measure against Israel, but as a step that opens new horizons for balanced and fair dialogue.
Macron's Call with President Abbas
French President Emmanuel Macron announced in a post on platform "X" Friday evening that he had a telephone conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and directly informed him of France's intention to recognize the State of Palestine. Macron confirmed that this step "is part of a complete peace plan for the region", aimed at responding to the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians for security and peace.
President Macron informed President Abbas of France's recognition of Palestine
The French president added that he reminded President Abbas of what Paris expects from the Palestinian Authority in terms of political and institutional reforms, noting that the Palestinian president renewed his commitment to this path in order to "renew Palestinian governance and face the challenges of building the future state". Macron also stressed that France will continue to support Palestinian institutions to ensure minimum stability under complex regional circumstances.
Regional and International Context
This collective diplomatic move comes in the context of increasing popular and parliamentary pressures within several Western countries, calling for a more balanced stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, amid criticisms directed at Western governments because of "double standards" in dealing with international law, particularly regarding the right of Palestinians to self-determination, ending occupation, and building their independent state.
Key Developments Leading to Recognition:
- Spain, Ireland, and Norway initiated official recognition of Palestine earlier this year
- Growing European parliamentary movements supporting Palestinian statehood
- Increased criticism of Israeli settlement policies in the West Bank
- Ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza increasing international pressure
Strategic Importance of Recognition
Observers believe that the simultaneous recognition by ten Western countries carries significant symbolic and political weight, reflecting an erosion of the Western consensus that has long maintained a more cautious position on this step. It also sends a clear message to Israel that the continuation of occupation, without a real negotiating horizon, is no longer acceptable in an increasing number of Western capitals.
| Period | Recognizing Countries | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Before 2025 | 139 countries | Gradual recognition from Arab, Islamic and African countries |
| Early 2025 | Spain, Ireland, Norway | Beginning of noticeable European shift |
| September 2025 | 10 European and Western countries | Largest synchronized Western move for recognition |
Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Palestinian Cause
The simultaneous recognition of Palestine by ten Western countries represents a new chapter in the long struggle of Palestinians for international recognition and the establishment of an independent state. This step reflects a strategic shift in the international stance toward the Palestinian cause and comes at an extremely sensitive time with escalating Israeli threats to annex parts of the West Bank.
The French warning that Israeli annexation of the West Bank represents a "clear red line" and the "worst violation of international law" reflects growing European concern about Israeli policies under the Netanyahu government. This position is consistent with recent statements by President Macron, who strongly criticized Israeli operations in Gaza, considering them "failed" and leading to the destruction of Israel's image and credibility worldwide.