PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that his country intends to recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly meeting next September. Macron expressed hope that this move would contribute to strengthening peace in the region, but this decision has already faced strong backlash from Israel and the United States. In a post on his X account, Macron shared a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, confirming France’s decision and promising to persuade other allies to take similar steps. He stated, “In accordance with France’s historical commitment to achieving lasting and just peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine.” He added, “I will make this historic announcement next September at the United Nations.” If this recognition is realized, France would be the first among major Western powers to officially accept the State of Palestine. Israel has condemned this announcement, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that recognizing Palestine is “rewarding terrorism” and warning that it would create a new proxy for Iran. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz labeled France’s decision as “shameful and capitulating to terrorism,” asserting that Israel would never accept a Palestinian entity that threatens its security and existence. On the other hand, the U.S. Secretary of State described this as a “reckless” decision by the French president. Marco Rubio commented on his X account regarding Macron’s announcement, stating: “This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and undermines peace efforts.” Additionally, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee noted back in June that establishing an independent Palestinian state is no longer a priority of U.S. foreign policy.
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