France to recognise Palestinian state at UN in September
He also highlighted the emerging risks of cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and terrorism: Photo: Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will formally recognise a Palestinian state during a United Nations meeting in September, becoming the most powerful European country to do so, AFP reported on Friday.
At least 142 countries now recognise or have declared intentions to recognise Palestinian statehood, according to an AFP tally. However, the move faces strong opposition from Israel and the United States.
“The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and rescue the civilian population,” Macron wrote on social media.
Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine.
I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September.… pic.twitter.com/VTSVGVH41I“We must finally build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability and enable it, by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East,” he added.
Saudi Arabia hails France’s decision
Saudi Arabia French President’s “historic” decision to recognise the State of Palestine and called on other countries to follow suit.
“The Kingdom commends this historic decision, which reaffirms the international community’s consensus on the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
#Statement | The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s welcoming of the announcement made by President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic regarding his country’s intention to recognize the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/jJ7ytIQVIK
“The Kingdom underscores the importance of continued efforts by states to implement international resolutions and uphold international law,” the ministry added.
“The Kingdom reiterates its call for all countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to take similar positive steps and adopt serious positions that support peace and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.”
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority also welcomed Macron’s announcement.
Hussein al Sheikh, deputy to President Mahmoud Abbas, thanked Macron, saying the move marked a significant step toward upholding Palestinian rights.
“This position reflects France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state,” Sheikh said.
Backlash from Israel, US
The announcement sparked immediate backlash from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the move, calling it a “reward” for terrorism and a threat to Israeli security.
“This decision risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became — a launch pad to annihilate Israel, not to live in peace beside it,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned Macron’s 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 posted on X.
The United States strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the @UN general assembly.
This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.Pakistan condemns Israel
Pakistan on Friday condemned Israel’s “unlawful attempt to assert ‘sovereignty’ over the occupied West Bank,” calling it a serious breach of international law and a clear reflection of Israel’s continued disregard for Palestinian rights.
“Such deliberate and provocative actions highlight the occupying power’s systematic attempts to undermine efforts for peace and entrench its illegal occupation,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.
🔊PR NO.2️⃣1️⃣8️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
Pakistan Strongly Condemns Israel’s Illegal Annexation Attempt in the Occupied West Bank.
🔗⬇️https://t.co/KNia3yw8Vb pic.twitter.com/7Y9mzRzA7UThe statement added that “these unilateral measures represent a dangerous escalation that jeopardises regional stability and prospects for a just and lasting settlement.”
Islamabad reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and called on the international community to take urgent action to stop what it described as Israel’s expanding violations of international law.
Canada, Australia slam Israel
Canada and Australia have issued strong condemnations of Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling the situation a “humanitarian disaster” and urging urgent steps to prevent further civilian suffering.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney directly blamed the Israeli government for failing to avert the crisis in the besieged Palestinian enclave.
“Canada calls on all sides to negotiate an immediate ceasefire in good faith,” Carney said in a statement on X. “We reiterate our calls for Hamas to immediately release all the hostages, and for the Israeli government to respect the territorial integrity of the West Bank and Gaza.”
Canada condemns the Israeli government’s failure to prevent the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza.
Israel’s control of aid distribution must be replaced by comprehensive provision of humanitarian assistance led by international organizations. Many of these are…Carney also accused Israel of breaching international law by blocking Canadian-funded humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza civilians.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed the criticism, describing the situation in Gaza as a “humanitarian catastrophe”.
“Every effort must be made to safeguard innocent life and end the suffering and starvation of the people of Gaza,” Albanese said in a statement on Friday.
“Israel’s denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children, seeking access to water and food cannot be defended or ignored,” he added.
Israel's war on Gaza
The Israeli army has launched a brutal offensive against Gaza since October 2023, killing at least 58,667 Palestinians, including 17,400 children. More than 139,974 people have been injured, and over 14,222 are missing and presumed dead.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
A proposed 60-day ceasefire deal includes a pause in hostilities, increased humanitarian aid, and negotiations on the release of captives.