France to recognize Palestinian state: Macron
'True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the state of Palestine,' Macron posted to X yesterday.
'The urgent need today is to end the war in Gaza and to rescue the civilian population,' he continued,
reiterating calls for an immediate ceasefire, access to humanitarian aid for the population of Gaza, the release of all hostages and the demilitarization of Hamas, reports CNN.
'We must build the state of Palestine, ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East. There is no alternative,' Macron added.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the consul in Jerusalem delivered a letter from Macron to the Palestinian Authority stating France's intention.
Palestinian Authority (PA) Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh posted to X thanking Macron for his letter to PA President Mahmoud Abbas.
Soon after, Hamas has welcomed President Macron's announcement that France will recognize a Palestinian state.
Hamas called it 'a positive step in the right direction toward achieving justice for our oppressed Palestinian people and supporting their legitimate right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on all of their occupied territories.'
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned French President Macron's decision to recognize Palestinian statehood.
'Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became,' the PM said in a statement.
'A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it. Let's be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel,' he added.
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