France recognizes state of Palestine

PARIS (AFP) -— France will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday.

The moves takes to at least 142 the number of countries that now recognize or plan to recognize Palestinian statehood, according to an Agence France-Presse tally, defying strong opposition from Israel and the United States (US).

France would become the most significant European power to recognize a Palestinian state, and the first among the G7 wealthy democracies to do so.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded angrily to Macron’s announcement.

“This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th,” Rubio wrote on X, alluding to the Hamas attack on Israel in 2023 that triggered the war in Gaza.

Palestinian militant group Hamas hailed Macron’s pledge as a “positive step in the right direction toward doing justice to our oppressed Palestinian people and supporting their legitimate right to self-determination.”

“We call on all countries of the world — especially European nations and those that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine — to follow France’s lead,” it added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move “rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became.”

“A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it,” he said.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, whose country already recognizes Palestinian statehood, welcomed Macron’s announcement.

“Together, we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution,” said the Socialist leader and outspoken critic of Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry welcomed Macron’s “historic decision.”

“The Kingdom reiterates its call for all countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to take similar positive steps and adopt serious positions that support peace and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation for Macron’s decision.

“This is a step in the right direction toward the realization of the two-state solution and the end of the occupation,” ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah said in a statement.

Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the move, saying it “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.”