France to Open Embassy in West Bank, Grant Palestine Mission in Paris

France has announced plans to open an embassy in the West Bank while granting Palestine the right to establish an embassy in Paris, marking a major shift in its Middle East policy.

The move upgrades France’s official ties with Palestinian authorities and signals growing support for Palestinian statehood recognition. The West Bank embassy will provide a direct diplomatic channel with Palestinian leadership, while the Paris mission upgrades Palestine’s previous representative office to full embassy status, granting expanded diplomatic privileges.

French officials say the decision reflects the country’s commitment to a two-state solution. President Emmanuel Macron has long backed Palestinian rights and stronger international recognition efforts.

The step positions France as one of the first major European powers to open an embassy in Palestinian territories. Analysts believe it could push other EU nations to take similar action.

Palestinian leaders welcomed the announcement, describing it as an important step toward greater international legitimacy. Israel, however, is expected to criticize the move, having historically opposed recognition of Palestinian diplomatic institutions.

Despite potential backlash, France appears determined to proceed. The decision comes at a time of heightened global focus on Palestinian statehood and could accelerate wider European support for formal recognition.

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