Macron: No French Embassy in Palestine Until Gaza Hostages Are Freed
French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that France will not open an embassy in Palestine until Hamas releases all hostages currently held in Gaza, even as the country moves toward formally recognizing Palestinian statehood.
“It will be, for us, a requirement very clearly before opening, for instance, an embassy in Palestine,” Macron said in a CBS News interview recorded Thursday and aired on Sunday.
Recognition Without Representation — Yet
The interview came as Britain, Australia, and Canada jointly announced their formal recognition of the State of Palestine — a historic policy shift that marked a major departure from previous Western diplomatic positions.
Portugal is also expected to recognize Palestine later the same day, while France has said it will follow suit on Mondayduring a session at the United Nations, in coordination with other supportive nations.
Despite joining this wave of recognition, Macron made it clear that France will not establish formal diplomatic premises or open an embassy in Palestinian territories until the hostage crisis in Gaza is resolved.
Firm Warning Against Displacement Plans
Macron also strongly criticized any proposals that include the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza in post-war reconstruction plans.
“But if the precondition of such a plan is to push them out, this is just a craziness,” Macron told Face the Nation. “We should not be — for the credibility of the United States, for the credibility of France — we cannot be implicitly or explicitly complacent with such a project.”
Background Context
The remarks come amid growing international condemnation of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, following months of intense conflict with Hamas. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached crisis levels, amplifying global calls for a ceasefire and long-term political resolution.
France’s decision to recognize Palestine, even with conditions on diplomatic representation, adds to the increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel and could reshape dynamics at the UN and in broader Middle East peace talks.
As Macron balances diplomatic recognition with calls for hostages’ release, France’s position reflects an attempt to support Palestinian sovereignty while maintaining pressure on Hamas and standing firm on humanitarian principle
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