Macron calls for joint recognition of Palestinian state by France, UK

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday called for France and the United Kingdom to jointly recognize the State of Palestine, stating that such recognition is “the only path to peace.”

Speaking at a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Macron reaffirmed his strong support for a two-state solution to the 'Israeli'-Palestinian conflict.

“I deeply believe in the two-state solution,” Macron said. “A joint recognition of Palestine by Paris and London would launch a political dynamic that leads to a horizon for peace.”

The remarks come amid ongoing international debates over the recognition of Palestine, particularly in light of the war in Gaza and increased calls for long-term political solutions.

UK and France reach migrant exchange agreement

During the same press conference, Prime Minister Starmer announced a new bilateral agreement with France to exchange migrants, set to begin in the coming weeks.

“I am pleased to announce today our agreement on an unprecedented pilot project: for the first time, migrants arriving by small boats will be stopped and quickly returned to France,” Starmer said. “In exchange, for every person returned, another individual will be allowed to come to the UK through a controlled and legal system.”

Starmer clarified that only individuals who have not attempted to enter the UK illegally would qualify for the legal migration pathway outlined in the agreement.