European and American leaders have spoken out against French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to officially recognize Palestine as a state, illuminating the cracks among nations that make up the Group of Seven (G7) amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
On X, formerly Twitter, Macron made the announcement on Thursday and wrote in part: “Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine. I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September.”
Why It Matters
Macron’s announcement brings to a head months of increasing criticism from France, which has a large Muslim population, regarding Israel’s conduct in its war against Hamas—the Palestinian militant group that rules Gaza—that was sparked by the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has led to mass destruction, death, and famine in Gaza. At least 1.9 million people—about 90 percent of the population in the enclave—have been internally displaced by Israeli bombardments, according to the U.N. Israel’s ground and air attacks have killed more than 55,300 Palestinians, per the Gaza Health Ministry.
The French president’s decision also comes amid a wave of nations moving to recognize Palestinian statehood, with France being the first G7 nation to do so. Other countries that make up the G7 include Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Representatives from other nations say it could be too soon to recognize statehood and further complicate relations between Palestine and Israel.
Of the 193 U.N. member states, approximately 147 currently recognize the State of Palestine, which was granted non-member observer status at the U.N. in 2012. Israel, which is a full member of the U.N., is currently recognized by around 165 U.N. member states.
What To Know
Macron’s announcement followed his visit to Egypt’s border with Gaza in April where he witnessed the scale of the crisis.
“In light of the commitments made to me by the President of the Palestinian Authority, I have written to him to express my determination to move forward,” Macron wrote in his X post.
He had originally sought a coordinated move with allies, including the U.K. and Canada, but faced reluctance from these governments.
While France presses forward, the United States and Israel sharply condemned the decision, characterizing it as bolstering Hamas and undermining peace efforts.
“The United States strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the @UN general assembly,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X following 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.”
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Germany have also resisted immediately following suit, citing the necessity of linking Palestinian statehood to progress on a two-state solution and broader regional negotiations, The Independent reported.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reacted to Macron’s statement saying in part, “I am very much in favour of the State of Palestine but I am not in favour of recognising it prior to establishing it,” Reuters reported.
Meloni also rejected premature recognition, saying, “If something that doesn’t exist is recognised on paper, the problem could appear to be solved when it isn’t.”
Hamas ‘Always Rejected the Two-State Solution’
Macron has said the decision on a Palestinian state was “consistent” with his country’s “historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” and called for an “urgent end to the war” as well as greater humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot defended the decision and rejected the accusation that it helped Hamas.
“Hamas has always rejected the two-state solution. By recognizing Palestine, France proves this terrorist movement wrong. It supports the side of peace against that of war,” Barrot posted to X.
Israel Reacts to Macron Decision
Israel’s Permanent Representative to the U.N., Danny Danon, blasted France’s decision.
“Neither international conferences disconnected from reality nor unilateral statements at the U.N. will lead to peace,” Danon said in a statement shared with Newsweek. “Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state after the massacre of October 7 and precisely at a time when Hamas is still holding hostages is a disgraceful reward for terrorism.”
He added: “Anyone who ignores the reality on the ground—that Israel has no partner for peace—harms not only Israel but the stability of the entire region.”
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump to reporters about Macron’s announcement on Friday: “What he says doesn’t matter. He’s a very good guy. I like him, but that statement doesn’t carry weight.”
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement Friday, per The Independent: “Alongside our closest allies, I am working on a pathway to peace in the region, focused on the practical solutions that will make a real difference to the lives of those that are suffering in this war. That pathway will set out the concrete steps needed to turn the ceasefire so desperately needed, into a lasting peace.”
He added: “Recognition of a Palestinian state has to be one of those steps. I am unequivocal about that. But it must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis. This is the way to ensure it is a tool of maximum utility to improve the lives of those who are suffering—which of course, will always be our ultimate goal.”
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: “…Peace is possible. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza. And finally, we must build the State of Palestine, guarantee its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the region. There is no alternative. The French people want peace in the Middle East. It is our responsibility—as French citizens, alongside Israelis, Palestinians, and our European and international partners—to prove that peace is possible.”
What Happens Next?
Following Macron’s announcement, divisions may further complicate efforts to coordinate Western policy on the Middle East and could weaken the G7’s collective influence over the peace process.
Within the U.K., Starmer’s Labour government faces continued pressure from MPs, trade unions, and allied parties to match France’s move, with speculation surrounding potential policy shifts following a planned meeting with Trump in Scotland this week.
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