Latest news with #MACRON
West Australian
6 days ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Why France is recognising Palestinian statehood
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced he will recognise Palestinian statehood, drawing angry rebukes from Israel and the United States and opening the door for other major nations to perhaps follow suit. WHAT DID MACRON SAY? Macron published a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming France's intention to press ahead with recognition and work to convince other partners to do the same He said he would make a formal announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next month France is now the first major Western country to shift its diplomatic stance on a Palestinian state, after Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognised one last year WHY IS THIS SIGNIFICANT? The decision to recognise Palestinian statehood is mostly symbolic but it makes Israel appear more isolated on the international stage over the war in Gaza WHY DID MACRON DO THIS? Macron decided to do it ahead of a UN conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia on the matter next week to try to sway other countries considering that step, or those that are wavering WHAT IMPACT COULD IT HAVE ON FRENCH TIES WITH ISRAEL Ahead of Macron's announcement, Israeli officials had spent months lobbying to prevent what some had called "a nuclear bomb" for bilateral relations Sources familiar with the matter say Israel's warnings to France had ranged from scaling back intelligence-sharing to complicating Paris' regional initiatives - even hinting at possible annexation of parts of the West Bank WHO COULD BE NEXT? The decision by France, which is home to Europe's largest Jewish and Muslim communities alike, could fuel a movement so far dominated by smaller nations generally more critical of Israel The decision will put pressure on major countries like Britain, Germany, Australia, Canada and Japan to follow suit In the immediate term, Malta and Belgium could be the next countries within the European Union to do so WHO ELSE HAS RECOGNISED PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD? Last year, Ireland, Norway and Spain recognised a Palestinian state with its borders to be demarcated as they were prior to the 1967 Middle East war, when Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem About 144 of the 193 member states of the United Nations recognise Palestine as a state, including most of the global south as well as Russia, China and India Only a handful of the 27 European Union members do so, mostly former Communist countries as well as Sweden and Cyprus The UN General Assembly approved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine in November 2012 by upgrading its observer status at the world body to "non-member state" from "entity" HOW DID THE UNITED STATES, ISRAEL, AND PALESTINIANS REACT? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision by France, one of Israel's closest allies and a G7 member, saying such a move "rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy" US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States "strongly rejects (Macron's) plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly" "This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace," Rubio posted on X The Palestinian Authority's Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh said Macron's decision reflected "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"
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Why France is recognising Palestinian statehood
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced he will recognise Palestinian statehood, drawing angry rebukes from Israel and the United States and opening the door for other major nations to perhaps follow suit. WHAT DID MACRON SAY? Macron published a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming France's intention to press ahead with recognition and work to convince other partners to do the same He said he would make a formal announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next month France is now the first major Western country to shift its diplomatic stance on a Palestinian state, after Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognised one last year WHY IS THIS SIGNIFICANT? The decision to recognise Palestinian statehood is mostly symbolic but it makes Israel appear more isolated on the international stage over the war in Gaza WHY DID MACRON DO THIS? Macron decided to do it ahead of a UN conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia on the matter next week to try to sway other countries considering that step, or those that are wavering WHAT IMPACT COULD IT HAVE ON FRENCH TIES WITH ISRAEL Ahead of Macron's announcement, Israeli officials had spent months lobbying to prevent what some had called "a nuclear bomb" for bilateral relations Sources familiar with the matter say Israel's warnings to France had ranged from scaling back intelligence-sharing to complicating Paris' regional initiatives - even hinting at possible annexation of parts of the West Bank WHO COULD BE NEXT? The decision by France, which is home to Europe's largest Jewish and Muslim communities alike, could fuel a movement so far dominated by smaller nations generally more critical of Israel The decision will put pressure on major countries like Britain, Germany, Australia, Canada and Japan to follow suit In the immediate term, Malta and Belgium could be the next countries within the European Union to do so WHO ELSE HAS RECOGNISED PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD? Last year, Ireland, Norway and Spain recognised a Palestinian state with its borders to be demarcated as they were prior to the 1967 Middle East war, when Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem About 144 of the 193 member states of the United Nations recognise Palestine as a state, including most of the global south as well as Russia, China and India Only a handful of the 27 European Union members do so, mostly former Communist countries as well as Sweden and Cyprus The UN General Assembly approved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine in November 2012 by upgrading its observer status at the world body to "non-member state" from "entity" HOW DID THE UNITED STATES, ISRAEL, AND PALESTINIANS REACT? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision by France, one of Israel's closest allies and a G7 member, saying such a move "rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy" US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States "strongly rejects (Macron's) plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly" "This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace," Rubio posted on X The Palestinian Authority's Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh said Macron's decision reflected "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"
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Explainer-Why is France recognising Palestinian statehood and who else has?
PARIS - French President Emmanuel Macron has announced he will recognise Palestinian statehood, drawing angry rebukes from Israel and the United States and opening the door for other major nations to potentially like Britain and Canada to perhaps follow suit. Below are some details about Macron's announcement, driven by a rising global outcry over starvation and devastation in Gaza amid Israel's war against Hamas militants, as well as other nations' push to have Palestinian statehood recognised. WHAT DID MACRON SAY? Macron published a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming France's intention to press ahead with recognition and work to convince other partners to do the same. He said he would make a formal announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next month. France is now the first major Western country to shift its diplomatic stance on a Palestinian state, after Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognised one last year. WHY IS THIS SIGNIFICANT? The decision to recognise Palestinian statehood is mostly symbolic, with Israel occupying the territories where the Palestinians have long aimed to establish that state in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem as its capital. But it makes Israel appear more isolated on the international stage over the war in Gaza, which is suffering from a wave of hunger that the World Health Organization's chief said this week amounts to man-made mass starvation. Israel says it is committed to allowing aid into Gaza but must control it to prevent it being diverted by militants. It says it has let enough food into Gaza during the war and blames Hamas for the suffering of Gaza's 2.2 million people. WHY DID MACRON DO THIS? Macron had been leaning towards the move for months as part of a bid to keep the idea of a two-state solution alive, despite the pressure not to do so. He decided to do it ahead of a U.N. conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia on the matter next week to try to sway other countries considering that step, or those that are wavering. WHAT IMPACT COULD IT HAVE ON FRENCH TIES WITH ISRAEL Ahead of Macron's announcement, Israeli officials had spent months lobbying to prevent what some had called "a nuclear bomb" for bilateral relations. Sources familiar with the matter say Israel's warnings to France had ranged from scaling back intelligence-sharing to complicating Paris' regional initiatives - even hinting at possible annexation of parts of the West Bank. WHO COULD BE NEXT? The decision by France, which is home to Europe's largest Jewish and Muslim communities alike, could fuel a movement so far dominated by smaller nations generally more critical of Israel. It will put pressure on major countries like Britain, Germany, Australia, Canada and Japan to follow suit. In the immediate term, Malta and Belgium could be the next countries within the European Union to do so. A British cabinet minister said on Friday that Britain supports eventual recognition of a Palestinian state, but the immediate priority should be alleviating the suffering in Gaza and securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. WHO ELSE HAS RECOGNISED PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD? Last year, Ireland, Norway and Spain recognised a Palestinian state with its borders to be demarcated as they were prior to the 1967 Middle East war, when Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. However, they also recognised that those borders may change in any eventual talks to reach a final settlement, and that their decisions did not diminish their belief in Israel's fundamental right to exist in peace and security. About 144 of the 193 member states of the United Nations recognise Palestine as a state, including most of the global south as well as Russia, China and India. But only a handful of the 27 European Union members do so, mostly former Communist countries as well as Sweden and Cyprus. The U.N. General Assembly approved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine in November 2012 by upgrading its observer status at the world body to "non-member state" from "entity." HOW DID THE UNITED STATES, ISRAEL, AND PALESTINIANS REACT? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision by France, one of Israel's closest allies and a G7 member, saying such a move "rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy". Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described it as "a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism". He added that Israel would not allow the establishment of a "Palestinian entity that would harm our security, endanger our existence". U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States "strongly rejects (Macron's) plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly." "This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace," Rubio posted on X. "It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th" - a reference to Hamas' 2023 cross-border attack on Israel that set off the Gaza war. Thanking France, the Palestinian Authority's Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh said Macron's decision reflected "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". REUTERS
Barnama
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore & Vietnam: May 31, 2025
Cambodia and Thailand will adhere to the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on the survey and demarcation of the land boundary. Both governments agreed to adopt all existing mechanisms, especially the Joint Boundary Commission, to resolve border issues. The Tourism Ministry launched the "Visit Cambodia " campaign during the green season to woo more tourists to the Kingdom. The aim is to boost tourism during the green season, usually the rainy season when tourist numbers drop. The Health Ministry has reported a decline in the national stunting rate among children, from 21.5 per cent in 2023 to 19.8 per cent last year, marking progress toward reaching President Prabowo Subianto's 14 per cent target although experts warn substantial efforts are still needed to maintain progress. 2. PALACE CLARIFIES: PRABOWO TOASTED MACRON WITH APPLE JUICE, NOT ALCOHOL -- JAKARTA GLOBE The Presidential Palace clarified on Friday that President Prabowo Subianto was drinking non-alcoholic apple juice -- not wine -- during a toast with French President Emmanuel Macron, following online speculation about the beverage's contents. The two leaders were photographed clinking glasses during a state dinner at the Merdeka Palace on Wednesday, with golden-coloured drinks in hand. MYANMAR 1. GOVT OUTLINES STRATEGY TO RESET ECONOMY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government will focus on three key pillars to reboot the economy following the March 28 earthquake. The first is humanitarian relief and social protection and the second and the third pillars relate to infrastructure reconstruction and economic revival and reform. 2. MINISTRY TO TIGHTEN E-CIGARETTES RULES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Health Ministry said a survey last year revealed tobacco users in Myanmar have declined. Still, there is a rise in the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems like e-cigarettes. The ministry called for stricter control measures to curb the vice. SINGAPORE 1. MACRON TOUTS 'POSITIVE NEW' ASIA-EUROPE ALLIANCE AMID US-CHINA RIVALRY -- THE STRAITS TIMES French President Emmanuel Macron urged Asia and Europe to work together in a new coalition based on common principles to push back against the inevitability of being caught between global superpowers. 2. FRANCE'S MACRON CALLS FOR ASIAN COALITIONS AS HE WARNS OF US-CHINA DIVISIONS -- CNA French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday (May 30) that division between the two superpowers, the United States and China, is the main risk currently confronting the world as he emphasised the need for building new coalitions between Paris and partners in the Indo-Pacific. THAILAND 1. RTA ISSUE STATEMENT TO RESOLVE CLASH POINT IN CHONG BOK AREA -- THE NATION The Royal Thai Army (RTA) is preparing to issue a statement on Friday to resolve the recent clash point in the Chong Bok area, Ubon Ratchathani province. 2. PM VOWS B157BN FOR TOURISM POT -- BANGKOK POST Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said she aims to inject 157 billion baht to stimulate the tourism sector, with a focus on improving safety and convenience for visitors, along with efforts to boost the sector in general. VIETNAM 1. QUANG NINH TO TAP MUSLIM-FRIENDLY TOURISM -- VIETNAMPLUS The northern province of Quang Ninh wants to transform into a Muslim-friendly tourist destination by building a halal tourism sector. The aim is not only to woo foreign visitors but also to showcase Vietnam's religious diversity. 2. LARGE-SCALE VIETNAMESE LYCHEE PROMOTION -- VIETNAMPLUS Hai Duong province launched the 2025 Thanh Ha lychee harvest season and trade conference yesterday to promote the fruit. Hai Duong has 8,800 hectares of lychee with an estimated production of 65,000 metric tonnes. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
News18
30-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
"Crusade Against Jewish State" Israel Slams Macron's Sanctions Threat, Backing For Palestine State
Israel accused French President Emmanuel Macron of undertaking a "crusade against the Jewish state." Israel also denied claims of humanitarian blockade in Gaza, calling Macron's statement 'a blatant lie.''There is no humanitarian blockade. That is a blatant lie. But instead of applying pressure on the jihadist terrorists, Macron wants to reward them with a Palestinian state. No doubt its national day will be October 7.', a statement by Israel's foreign ministry said. Israel last week partially lifted a more than two-month blockade on supplies entering Gaza amid shortage of medicines and Germany will decide whether or not to approve new weapons shipments to Israel based on an assessment of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul questioned whether what is happening in Gaza is in line with international law. 'We are examining this and, if necessary, we will authorize further arms deliveries based on this examination,' he said in an interview with the Sueddeutsche Zeitung. n18oc_world n18oc_crux0:00 INTRODUCTION2:12 MACRON WARNS AGAINST GIVING 'FREE PASS' TO ISRAEL4:08 "MESSAGE TO MACRON AND HIS FRIENDS..."5:34 HOUTHIS WARN OF ATTACKS ON ISRAEL CIVILIAN FLIGHTS
