President Emanuel Macron's decision to announce recognition of the State of Palestine at
the UN in September marks a historic moment, awaited for over forty years. Since 1982
France has been committed to this path. François Mitterrand, Jacques Chirac, Nicolas
Sarkozy, and François Hollande promised it. Emmanuel Macron has done it.

This decision is based on years of work and on the reports and recommendations we have
submitted to the President of the Republic over the past four years. It represents a relief, a
recognition of justice and a guarantee of security for both Palestinians and Israelis.

But the hardest part remains to come: building peace. A real, lasting peace, based on
equality, mutual respect, and the dignity of each individual. This recognition sends a
powerful signal: The war must end now. The hostages must be released now. Massive
humanitarian aid must reach civilians in Gaza immediately. And above all we must open
up a genuine space for negotiations, compromises and reconciliation. There can be no
solution without negotiations on equal terms between Israelis and Palestinians. This is a
major victory for the peace camp, a glimmer of hope for a future based on freedom,
security, dignity, and the coexistence of two states.

The road to reconciliation and a “warm,” sincere, and committed peace will be long and
painful. But that doesn't mean it's impossible. It begins now.