French President Emmanuel Macron has openly cautioned the Israeli occupation regime against pursuing annexation, offensive military operations, or the forced displacement of Palestinians, declaring that such actions will not halt the accelerating wave of international recognition for the State of Palestine.

Speaking alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after high-level talks in Paris, Macron stated firmly: “No offensive, annexation attempt, or forced displacement of populations will stop the momentum we have created with the Crown Prince, which many partners have already joined.”

Macron’s remarks came as reports circulated that the Israeli government is considering fresh annexation measures in the occupied West Bank in an attempt to counter growing international recognition of Palestinian sovereignty. The French president underscored that such colonial measures would only deepen Israel’s isolation while strengthening the legitimacy of the Palestinian cause.

The French leader also criticised Washington for recently denying visas to Palestinian officials scheduled to attend the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. Macron called the U.S. decision “unacceptable” and urged American authorities to reverse the move immediately, stressing that Palestinians must be allowed international representation in line with the UN Host Country Agreement.

Observers note that the U.S. move is part of a pattern of obstructing Palestinian diplomacy, a strategy that contrasts sharply with the growing global consensus on Palestinian statehood.

On 22 September, Macron is set to co-chair a historic UN conference on the “two-state solution” alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. At this event, France, Saudi Arabia, and several other countries are expected to formalise their recognition of Palestine as an independent nation—a diplomatic breakthrough that Palestinians have long demanded in the face of decades of occupation.

This recognition effort comes as more governments, civil society movements, and international organisations push for accountability for Israeli war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, amplifying the call for justice and self-determination for the Palestinian people.

Addressing the ongoing genocide in Gaza, Macron called for “a permanent ceasefire,” the immediate release of all captives, and a massive, unhindered flow of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave. He also proposed the deployment of a stabilisation mission to protect civilians and ensure aid reaches those in need.

While Macron repeated Western demands for Hamas to be excluded from future governance in Gaza, he also called for strengthening and reforming the Palestinian Authority and pledged France’s support for the complete reconstruction of Gaza.

Analysts note, however, that Macron’s emphasis on sidelining Hamas reflects European alignment with Israeli narratives, even as his recognition drive represents a major blow to Israel’s diplomatic standing. For Palestinians, the priority remains ending the blockade, halting Israeli massacres, and guaranteeing their right to self-determination free of foreign conditions.

Israel has fiercely opposed the international recognition efforts, dismissing them as a “reward” to Hamas. Yet, as Macron’s warning makes clear, Israeli aggression and colonial expansion cannot reverse the tide: a new international consensus is crystallising in support of Palestinian statehood, and with every bomb dropped on Gaza and every new annexation plan, Israel risks further global isolation. (ILKHA)