French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will officially recognize a Palestinian state during a United Nations meeting in September. This move positions France as the most influential European nation to declare such an intention. According to an AFP tally, at least 142 countries either currently recognize or plan to recognize Palestinian statehood, despite strong opposition from both Israel and the United States.
Numerous countries have declared their intentions to recognize Palestinian statehood since Israel initiated its extensive bombardment of Gaza nearly two years ago, in response to the Hamas attacks. Hussein al-Sheikh, a senior official within the Palestinian Authority, applauded the announcement, stating that 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.” The Palestinian resistance group Hamas also 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.”
Here’s how various nations are reacting to President Macron’s announcement regarding the recognition of Palestine:
United States
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reacted with anger to Macron’s announcement, characterizing it as a “reckless decision.” Rubio posted on X, “This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.”
Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the move “rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became.” He further warned, “A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel – not to live in peace beside it.”
Spain
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, whose country has already recognized Palestinian statehood, welcomed Macron’s announcement. The Socialist leader and outspoken critic of Israel’s offensive in Gaza stated, “Together, we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution.”
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed its approval of Macron’s “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.”
Jordan
Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its appreciation for Macron’s decision. Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah stated in a release, “This is a step in the right direction toward the realisation of the two-state solution and the end of the occupation.”
Palestinian Authority
Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the initiative, affirming that 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.”
Hamas
The Palestinian resistance group Hamas praised Macron’s commitment as a “positive step in the right direction toward doing justice to our oppressed Palestinian people and supporting their legitimate right to self-determination.” It added, “We call on all countries of the world — especially European nations and those that have not yet recognised the State of Palestine — to follow France’s lead.”
