Will French Recognition of Palestinian State Make a Difference? | Inside Story

Jul 26, 2025 | France says it’s ready to recognise an independent Palestinian state. The announcement comes at a time of growing international outrage against Israel’s war on Gaza. Several European countries - including Spain, Ireland, and Norway - have already recognised Palestinian statehood. And pressure is mounting on the United Kingdom to do the same. But would any recognition lead to change on the ground? And how will France navigate any backlash from Israel and the US?

Presenter: Adrian Finighan

Guests:
Jacques Reland - Senior Research Fellow at the Global Policy Institute
Ulrich Brueckner, a professor of political science at Stanford University in Berlin
Afif Safieh - Former Palestinian Ambassador to the United Kingdom and United States