French President Emmanuel Macron says France will recognise Palestine as a state as part of its commitment to a lasting peace in the Middle East.
In a letter to Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian
authority, on Thursday, Macron said his country’s position would be made known
at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September.
Abbas had written Macron in June about the need to urgently
implement a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
The Palestinian leader said the authority is committed to
disarming Hamas, withdrawing their governance from Gaza, and holding elections
to enhance credibility over a future Palestinian state.
Macron agreed with Abbas in his responding letter.
“Peace is possible,” Macron said.
“We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all
hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.
“We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure
and rebuild Gaza. And finally, we must build the State of Palestine, guarantee
its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully
recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the region. There
is no alternative.
“The French people want peace in the Middle East. It is our
responsibility — as French citizens, alongside Israelis, Palestinians, and our
European and international partners — to prove that peace is possible.”
This makes France the first G7 nation to publicly support
calls for a Palestinian state.
Marco Rubio, US secretary of state, said America “strongly
rejects” Macron’s “reckless” decision.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, also kicked
against the recognition.
“A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch
pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it,” Netanyahu said.
Hamas, however, welcomed France’s decision.
Currently, Palestine is recognised as a state by more than
140 of the 193 member states of the UN.
A few European Union (EU) countries, including Spain and
Ireland, are among them.
But Israel’s main supporter, the US, and its allies
including the UK have yet to make this recognition.
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