By John Irish
PARIS/WASHINGTON, July 24 (Reuters)
Israel and the U.S. have come together to halt a move that France is about to make. Huge communications from strong nations have frequently altered the trajectory of protracted wars throughout history. Sometimes a speech or a signed document can inspire optimism or rage long after it is made. Every word counts, every gesture is scrutinised, and every choice can reverberate for years through the corridors of international diplomacy in one of the most complex conflicts in the world. France made a move this week that sparked intense reactions.
France has the intention to recognise the Palestinian state
France intends to recognise a Palestinian state in September at the United Nations General Assembly, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday, in hopes of bringing peace to the region, but the plan drew angry rebukes from Israel and the United States. Macron, who unveiled the decision on X, published a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Macron is confirming France’s intention to press ahead with Palestinian recognition and work to convince other partners to follow suit. Macron said,
“True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the state of Palestine.”
France’s action startles allies and gets sharp and loud reactions
Israel and the United States swiftly criticised France’s decision, arguing that it may actually make peace negotiations more difficult. Israel referred to it as “deeply irresponsible,” claiming that acknowledging Palestinian statehood without first engaging in direct talks runs the risk of overlooking significant security issues and local realities.
The White House expressed dissatisfaction as well, stating that France’s decision could incite differences at a time when the region needs cautious discussion and doable actions rather than audacious statements. Perhaps these nations feel like France will betray them; however, the intentions could be clean and just business.
France’s move has been said to be a disgrace
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the move as “a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism,” adding that Israel would not allow the establishment of a “Palestinian entity that would harm our security and endanger our existence.” In response, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States “strongly rejects (Macron’s) plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN general assembly.”
In a post on X, he said,
“This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.”
Earlier, Canada also pressed Israel to seek peace, with Prime Minister Mark Carney condemning its “failure to prevent the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza” and reiterating support for a two-state solution. Carney also accused Israel of violating international law over the blocking of Canadian-funded aid to civilians in the war-torn Palestinian enclave.
How bad is this situation, and how deep is it? What made France do it now, then? According to President Macron’s administration, the action is intended to demonstrate support for the two-state solution, which is the long-held belief that a durable peace between Israel and Palestine can only be achieved if both peoples live in separate states.
French diplomats contend that symbolic action is required to remind the world that the issue of Palestinian statehood cannot be allowed to linger in the wake of decades of stalled negotiations and rising regional tensions. President Donald Trump has himself expressed doubts about a two-state solution, proposing a U.S. takeover of Gaza in February, which was condemned by rights groups, Arab states, Palestinians and the U.N. as a proposal of “ethnic cleansing.” Macron had been leaning towards recognising a Palestinian state for months as part of a bid.