U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement condemning French President Emmanuel Macron regarding France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood.
“The United States strongly rejects Emmanuel Macron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly,” he said.
Rubio argues that Macron’s decision only serves to hinder peace talks between Hamas and Israel and is a “slap in the face” to victims of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israeli soil.
President Macron released a statement recognizing Palestine as a sovereign country as a way to honor France’s commitment to maintaining peace in the Middle East.
“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. I will make the solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September. The urgency today is to end the war in Gaza and to provide aid to the civilian population. Peace is possible,” he stated.
The French president continues his statement, urging Hamas and Israel to agree to an immediate ceasefire and calling for Hamas to be disarmed so the State of Palestine can assume full governmental and political control.
“There must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. It is also necessary to ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure Gaza, and rebuild Gaza. Finally, it is essential to build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and enable it, by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East,” he said.
Macron finished his statement reaffirming France’s commitment to ensuring peace in the Middle East and calls for Israel, Palestine, other European nations, and other international parties to come together and foster a peace agreement where both Israel and Palestine can coexist as two separate nations.
