Middle East crisis Israel-Palestine conflict

Strong reactions to French recognition of Palestine

Reactions continue to pour in on France recognizing the state of Palestine. Israel and the United States have reacted with anger. During the night, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X that the decision benefits Hamas, hinders the peace process and is “a slap in the face to the victims of October 7”.

Spain, which has already recognized Palestine, welcomes the announcement, however.

“Together we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution,” says Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who is an outspoken critic of Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

Positive tones are also being heard from Arab countries, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

With France’s announcement, the number of countries that recognize or plan to recognize a Palestinian state increases to at least 142, according to an AFP tally. France becomes the most significant European power to do so and the first among the G7 countries. Sweden recognized the state of Palestine in 2014.

France dismisses criticism that it plays into Hamas' hands

France defends the line of recognizing Palestine as a state, despite harsh criticism from Israel and the US, among others, that the decision plays into Hamas' hands.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot says that the initiative goes against what Hamas wants.

"Hamas has always rejected a two-state solution. By recognizing Palestine, France is going against the terrorist organization," Barrot writes on X.

In domestic politics, Emmanuel Macron's announcement has varied from praise from the left to condemnation from the right, writes TT.

Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN) party, says that the recognition gives Hamas "unexpected institutional and international legitimacy." Left-wing radical Jean-Luc Mélenchon, on the other hand, calls it "a moral victory." 

Trump: Macron's recognition has no weight

President Donald Trump says that French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to recognize Palestine as a state is meaningless. This is reported by AFP.

- He is a very good guy, I like him, but that statement has no weight, the American president tells journalists.

Macron said on Friday evening, Swedish time, that France will recognize Palestine as a state in connection with the UN General Assembly in September. It will be the first major Western power to recognize Palestine.

Macron's statement was criticized by Israel, which called it "a capitulation to terrorism."