🌍 Summary:
In a major diplomatic stir, France has announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. This move has drawn sharp criticism from the United States and Israel, who argue it could embolden extremist factions and further destabilize the region.
📰 What's Happening?
French President Emmanuel Macron declared that France will formally recognise Palestine as a sovereign state. He emphasized France's "historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East."
However, the move has sparked global debate.
🇺🇸 US Response
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected Macron’s decision, calling it "reckless" and a tool for "Hamas propaganda." He further stated that the US would boycott the upcoming UN peace conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
🗨️ “This only sets back peace efforts,” said Rubio on X.
US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, also claimed that a two-state solution no longer aligns with America’s core foreign policy goals, though the White House clarified that these were Huckabee's personal views.
🇮🇱 Israel’s Outrage
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned France's move, saying it "rewards terror" and threatens Israel’s security.
🗨️ “A Palestinian state in current conditions would become a launch pad for attacks,” said Netanyahu.
Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz called the decision a “surrender to terrorism”, adding that Israel "will not allow a hostile entity" at its borders.
🌐 Global Response
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As of now, 142 out of 193 UN member states have recognized or intend to recognize Palestine.
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In May, Norway, Ireland, and Spain began the process of recognition.
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A UN conference on the two-state solution is scheduled for July 28–30, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia — but the US will not attend.
🇵🇸 Context: Gaza Conflict
The announcement comes amid mounting pressure on Israel to halt its 21-month-long assault on Gaza, which began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed over 1,100 Israelis and resulted in over 200 hostages.
In retaliation, Israel’s military campaign has reportedly killed nearly 60,000 Palestinians and injured over 144,000.
Efforts for a ceasefire — led by Egypt, Qatar, and the US — remain unsuccessful.
🕊️ Call for Peace
A joint statement by 28 countries, including Japan, the UK, and several EU nations, urged:
“The war in Gaza must end now. The killing of civilians and the denial of basic needs like food and water is unacceptable.”
📌 Conclusion:
France’s recognition of a Palestinian state is a historic move with far-reaching diplomatic consequences. While some see it as a step toward peace, others view it as a dangerous misstep in an already volatile region.
🖊️ Source of Reference:
Adapted and rewritten from news originally reported by Al Jazeera.
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