CIVICUS discusses France’s imminent recognition of a Palestinian state with Fabienne Messica, sociologist, author and member of the National Bureau of the Human Rights League.

In July, France announced it would recognise the Palestinian state at the 80th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in September. This decision is part of a broader international movement, with 148 states having now recognised Palestine and several others, including Australia, Belgium, Canada and Portugal, set to follow.

Why did France decide to recognise the state of Palestine?

Recognition of the Palestinian state was a promise first made by then President François Hollande in 2012. It was also considered by current President Emmanuel Macron at the beginning of his first term in 2017 and is in line with the reiterated principle of peace based on the existence of two sovereign states.

Within Europe, France has historically been the most active state on this issue, advocating a policy of balance between the Arab states and Israel, even though over the past 20 years its diplomatic activity in favour of Palestinian sovereignty has declined.

However, since 7 October 2023, France has repeatedly affirmed its solidarity with Israel, selling it a very large volume of weapons and only belatedly and weakly condemning the numerous crimes perpetrated by Israel against Palestinian people, which have been described as acts of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Despite this, recognition of the Palestinian state now is a way for France to regain leadership on this issue in Europe, in the knowledge that nothing can be expected from the USA except constant opposition.

What’s the status of international recognition of Palestine?

Palestinians’ right to self-determination and therefore to establish their own state is already recognised by Resolution 3236, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1974. Palestine proclaimed its independence in 1988. So, even though it is occupied by Israel, the state of Palestine exists.

Palestine is already represented at the UN and in a number of international institutions. It is a permanent observer state, which allows it to participate extensively, although it has no right to vote or nominate candidates.

It’s clear that France’s recognition has had a knock-on effect in Europe and beyond. Currently 12 European Union (EU) states, including Ireland, Spain, Sweden and soon Portugal, have recognised Palestine. Other European states such as Belgium, Malta and the UK have also expressed their intention to recognise the Palestinian state. At the global level, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, as well as several Asian countries including Japan, Singapore and South Korea, have announced their intention to recognise Palestine following the adoption of a General Assembly resolution on 12 September. This resolution was supported by 142 states and aims at a two-state solution.

It should be noted that recognition does not in and by itself create a state, but it does commit all states to maintain relations with the state they have recognised. This gives Palestinians more means to defend their rights. But it must be accompanied by other urgent measures.

Who opposes the two-state solution?

First of all, the state of Israel, through the voice of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, completely opposes it. In response to France’s recognition, Israel could close the French consulate in Jerusalem, which serves as its embassy for Palestine and provides significant support to civil society organisations, cultural associations and human rights defenders.

In addition, Israel has threatened to simply annex the occupied territories in retaliation. The intensification of settlement activity and all the measures taken by Israel are already aimed at making the existence of a Palestinian state impossible. This is annexation by another name.

On the left, some supporters of the Palestinian cause also oppose the two-state solution because they consider the Israeli state to be illegitimate. They base their arguments on issues such as the number of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory and the fact the proposed Palestinian state will not have the right to have an army, which means its sovereignty will not be complete.

What role has public pressure played in France’s decision?

It’s difficult to determine, as pressure is not only French but global. However, there’s an awareness of the responsibility of states, including France, which support Israel’s actions through arms deliveries and economic cooperation. Notably, this includes an EU-Israel association agreement , which accounts for 24 per cent of Israel’s exports and 31 per cent of its imports in terms of economic trade. There are several campaigns that emphasise the responsibility of states and expect them to take action to end these crimes and enforce international law.

Public pressure highlights a fundamental truth: even in times of war, we must build peace, because it’s not war that hinders the peace process, but the acceptance of a situation of occupation, colonisation and apartheid. That’s why recognition cannot replace the application of international law and therefore the impositions of sanctions against Israel. If the two approaches are not pursued jointly, Palestinians will not see any results.