Erdogan Weighs In On France's Palestine Move
As the international community watches France's move, other leaders like Erdogan are being closely watched for their reactions, and the decision could create a precedent for other countries to follow, potentially leading to a shift in the Middle East dynamics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to recognize Palestine as a state could shift Middle East dynamics, despite being unlikely to have an immediate impact on Gaza or Israel's security, and now other world leaders like Erdogan are being watched for their reactions.
The move, announced on July 12, 2025, aims to promote diplomacy and the idea that war rarely brings peace. Macron, with his country's economic and diplomatic power, is attempting to influence world affairs as a leader of a nuclear-armed, economically powerful country and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. France is set to recognize the state of Palestine in September, joining 10 other EU countries that have already taken this step.
The recognition involves acknowledging Palestine's sovereignty and independence within its pre-1967 borders, including the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. This move will lead to the establishment of full diplomatic relations between France and Palestine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the shift, saying it rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, while other EU countries have expressed skepticism about recognizing Palestine.
The decision was made amid a renewed push in Europe to end the war in Gaza, and now attention is focusing on other G7 nations, which could face pressure or feel emboldened to follow France's lead. The move will also shift the balance of big powers in the UN Security Council, with France joining China and Russia in recognizing Palestinian statehood, leaving the US and the UK in a minority.