United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state as “reckless”.
Rubio’s reaction underscored the widening international divisions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Macron announced on Thursday that France would formally recognize the state of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September.
Macron shared the news in a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, pledging to press other countries to follow France’s lead.
According to Macron, true to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the state of Palestine.
Macron planned to make the announcement at the UN General Assembly next September.
The announcement has sparked strong reactions from various countries.
Israel and the United States have condemned the decision, while Saudi Arabia has praised it.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision, saying it “rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy.”
U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Israel’s concerns, saying Washington “strongly rejects [Macron’s] plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly.” Rubio added that the decision “only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace.”
In contrast, Saudi Arabia praised Macron’s announcement, calling it a “historic” step toward justice for the Palestinian people and lasting peace in the region.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot defended the plan, insisting that it runs counter to the objectives of Hamas.
According to Barrot, Hamas has always ruled out a two-state solution. By recognising Palestine, France goes against that terrorist organisation.
The decision by France to recognise a Palestinian state has significant implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
It may galvanise similar recognitions by smaller nations that have long been critical of Israel.
The move has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that it will promote peace and others claiming that it will embolden terrorism.
The international community remains divided on the issue, and the outcome of Macron’s decision remains to be seen.
