French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will formally recognise a Palestinian state during an upcoming United Nations meeting in September.
This declaration makes France the most influential European nation to commit to such a move, significantly bolstering the international push for Palestinian statehood.
France’s decision comes as the number of countries recognising or planning to recognise Palestinian statehood climbs to at least 142, according to an AFP tally. This growing international support stands in stark contrast to the strong opposition from Israel and the United States.
Several nations have signalled their intent to recognise a Palestinian state since Israel initiated its bombardment of Gaza nearly two years ago following the Hamas attacks.
Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the move, saying 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 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 countries are reacting to Macron’s announcement of recognising Palestine:
United States
Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded angrily to Macron’s announcement, calling it a “reckless decision”.
“This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th,” Rubio wrote on X.
Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move “rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became.”
“A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel – not to live in peace beside it,” he said.
Spain
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, whose country already recognises Palestinian statehood, welcomed Macron’s announcement.
“Together, we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution,” said the Socialist leader and outspoken critic of Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Foreign Ministry welcomed 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 expressed appreciation for Macron’s decision.
“This is a step in the right direction toward the realisation of the two-state solution and the end of the occupation,” ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah said in a statement.
Palestinian Authority
Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the move, saying 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
Palestinian resistance group Hamas 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.”
“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,” it added.
