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President Emmanuel Macron triggered backlash from the US and Israel after announcing on Thursday evening that France will formally recognise Palestine.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who strongly condemned the decision, was among the most vocal critics of Macron’s move.
“The United States strongly rejects (Macron’s) plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly,” Rubio said in a post on X.
“This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of 7 October.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at France’s announcement, calling it a betrayal by a close ally and warning it would “reward terror”.
“A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it,” he said on X.
“Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel.”
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz echoed Netanyahu’s outrage, calling the move “a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism,” and insisted Israel would block the creation of a “Palestinian entity that would harm our security, endangering our existence.”
Macron shared the news on social media on Thursday, along with a letter addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming France’s intentions and pledging to encourage other international partners to do the same.
“Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the state of Palestine,” Macron said.
“I will make this solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September.”
‘The two-state solution is the only solution’
The move, which says France will formalise its recognition at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September, also received praise from several European and Arab leaders.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, whose government has already recognised a Palestinian state and is openly critical of Israel, welcomed Macron’s pledge.
“Together, we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution,” Sánchez said.
Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs applauded France’s decision as a meaningful push towards achieving peace.
“This is a step in the right direction toward the realisation of the two-state solution and the end of the occupation,” said ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry called Macron’s announcement a “historic decision”.
“The Kingdom reiterates its call for all countries that have not yet recognised the State of Palestine to take similar positive steps and adopt serious positions that support peace and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”
Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed Macron’s statement, calling it a reaffirmation of Palestinian rights.
The decision from Paris “reflects France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state,” he concluded.
