Secretary of State Marco Rubio slammed Emmanuel Macron after the French president mentioned on Thursday that France would recognize Palestinian statehood, arguing it would solely help Hamas and downgrade prospects of reaching a peace deal between the Palestinian militant group and Israel.
“America strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron’s plan to acknowledge a Palestinian state on the @UN common meeting,” Rubio said in a Thursday night assertion on X. “This reckless determination solely serves Hamas propaganda and units again peace. It’s a slap within the face to the victims of October seventh.”
Macron mentioned the choice is a part of a dedication to a “simply and lasting peace” within the Center East and that he’ll make the announcement earlier than the United Nations Normal Meeting in September.
“The French folks need peace within the Center East. It’s our duty — as French residents, alongside Israelis, Palestinians, and our European and worldwide companions — to show that peace is feasible,” Macron mentioned.
To this point, 146 nations have recognized the Palestinian state. France turned the primary member of the Group of Seven (G7) to take action.
Macron’s announcement got here the identical day because the dialogue between Israel and Hamas, a gaggle designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. authorities, about forging a ceasefire and releasing the hostages fell apart. Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s Center East envoy, hammered Hamas, saying the group lacks the “want” to succeed in a ceasefire within the Gaza Strip.
“We are going to now think about various choices to deliver the hostages house and attempt to create a extra secure atmosphere for the folks of Gaza,” Witkoff mentioned in an announcement. “It’s a disgrace that Hamas has acted on this egocentric approach. We’re resolute in searching for an finish to this battle and a everlasting peace in Gaza.”
On Thursday, as a part of the announcement, Macron referred to as for a right away ceasefire within the war-torn enclave, for all the hostages held by Hamas to be freed and for the help flowing into Gaza to extend.
Israel has pushed towards the worldwide recognition of the Palestinian state, particularly on the UN.
Marcon, who mentioned he obtained unnamed commitments from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that made the announcement potential, was additionally criticized by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Such a transfer rewards terror and dangers creating one other Iranian proxy, simply as Gaza turned,” Netanyahu mentioned Thursday on X. “A Palestinian state in these situations can be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — to not reside in peace beside it. Let’s be clear: the Palestinians don’t search a state alongside Israel; they search a state as an alternative of Israel.”