Payam Javan: In a significant diplomatic move, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will formally recognize Palestine as a state, with the decision to be formalized at the UN General Assembly in September. This declaration, shared by Macron on social media, underscores the urgent need to halt the conflict in Gaza and protect its civilian population. The decision positions France as the largest Western power to acknowledge Palestinian statehood, potentially encouraging similar actions from other nations. This comes as over 140 countries, including more than a dozen in Europe, already recognize a Palestinian state.
The announcement has elicited strong reactions from both sides. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently condemned France’s decision, asserting that such a move would reward terrorism and risk creating another “Iranian proxy,” similar to the situation in Gaza, and could undermine Israel’s security. Conversely, the Palestinian Authority welcomed the news, with Hussein Al Sheikh, the PLO’s vice president, expressing gratitude to Macron for a stance that “reflects France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination.” However, the United States, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, “strongly rejected” Macron’s plan, deeming it “reckless” and a setback for peace that only serves Hamas propaganda.
Macron’s decision comes amidst heightened international pressure on Israel regarding the conflict in Gaza and follows the breakdown of Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar. Despite his initial support for Israel after the October 7 Hamas attacks, Macron has expressed growing frustration with the ongoing war. This recognition also precedes a conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia at the UN next week focusing on a two-state solution. The move signals increasing momentum against Israel, particularly after France and over two dozen European countries recently condemned Israeli restrictions on aid shipments into Gaza and the killings of Palestinians seeking food. Macron is scheduled to join British and German leaders for emergency talks on Gaza to address humanitarian aid and de-escalation efforts.
