TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - French President Emmanuel Macron has announced his country's plan to formally recognize the state of Palestine, with the announcement expected at the United Nations General Assembly in September, as reported by Al Jazeera.
This decision positions France as one of Europe's largest and most influential nations to take such a step, following similar moves by Norway, Ireland, and Spain.
To date, at least 142 out of 193 UN member states have recognized Palestine, although some influential Western countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, have not adopted this stance.
Macron's decision emerges amid escalating pressure from European nations concerning the Israel-Gaza conflict, which has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties and a dire humanitarian crisis.
Previously, France, alongside other allies, had issued a joint statement condemning restrictions on aid delivery and unequivocally calling for an immediate cessation of the war.
This diplomatic signal has also been reinforced by actions from other allies. The UK government indicated that Prime Minister Keir Starmer intends to coordinate efforts with France and Germany on this matter.
Support from the Arab and European World
Echoes of support for France's decision resonated from both Gulf and European countries. Saudi Arabia was among the first to welcome the move, urging other nations to adopt similar affirmative positions.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared, "The Kingdom commends this historic decision, which reaffirms the international community’s consensus on the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination."
Qatar, acting as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, lauded the development as a positive step that will contribute to strengthening the chances of a fair and comprehensive peace in the region.
Jordan likewise described it as a "significant step" in countering attempts to deny the rights of the Palestinian people.
In Europe, countries such as Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia, which had previously recognized Palestine, extended a warm reception to France's announcement.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his full endorsement, stating, "Together, we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution."
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris referred to France's decision as "the only lasting basis for peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike." Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon characterized it as "a bold step for peace and a two-state solution."
Strong Rejection from the U.S. and Israel
France's impending action met with vehement rejection from the United States. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sharply criticized the plan. "This is a reckless decision that only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace," he said as reported by Al Jazeera.
Similar strong reactions emanated from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly condemned France's decision, deeming the move "rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy."
As a concrete form of opposition, the Trump administration announced its refusal to attend the upcoming UN conference on the two-state solution. The conference, scheduled for July 28-30, aims to delineate a path toward the recognition of a Palestinian state.
When questioned about this, a spokesperson for the State Department merely stated that Washington "will not be in attendance," without offering further explanation.
Palestinian Response
The Palestinian Authority in both Gaza and the West Bank welcomed France's pivotal decision. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas hailed it as a victory.
"This is a victory for the Palestinian cause. This reflects France's commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights to their land and homeland," Abbas was quoted by Middle East Eye.
Hussein al-Sheikh, a senior official of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), also affirmed that France's stance demonstrates a commitment to international law and support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to determine their destiny.
Meanwhile, Hamas, in their official statement, declared, "We consider this a positive step in the right direction to bring justice to our oppressed Palestinian people."
Editor's Choice: Israel Permits International Air Deliveries of Aid to Gaza
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Netherlands Designates Israel a Threat for First Time
3 menit lalu
The Dutch security agency accuses Israel of attempting to manipulate public opinion and influence political decision-making in the Netherlands.
Israel Permits International Air Deliveries of Aid to Gaza
4 jam lalu
So far, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates are slated to participate in the air deliveries of aid to Gaza.
Gaza-Bound 'Handala' Aid Ship Resumes Journey After Communication Blackout
15 jam lalu
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition states that a drone was spotted near the ship for two hours, urging global pressure to end the Gaza blockade
Israeli Woman Arrested for Allegedly Plotting to Kill Netanyahu
19 jam lalu
An elderly woman is under investigation for an alleged plot to kill Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel and U.S. Recall Teams from Gaza Ceasefire Talks
20 jam lalu
Israel and the United States have withdrawn their delegations from the Gaza ceasefire negotiations for consultations.
Palestinian Journalist and Family Killed in Israeli Airstrike
1 hari lalu
Walaa al-Jabari, a Palestinian journalist, was killed alongside her husband and four children in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
Indonesian House Members Raise Gaza-Themed Posters Amidst Plenary Session
1 hari lalu
During a plenary session at the House of Representatives (DPR), parliament members held a symbolic action as a form of support for the people of Palestine in Gaza.
Columbia University Reaches US$200mn Settlement with Trump Govt over Funding Freeze
1 hari lalu
Columbia University reached a settlement with the Trump administration over federal investigations and funding freeze.
124 Jordanian Aid Trucks Enter Gaza This Week as Starvation Worsens
1 hari lalu
UN official said on Wednesday that 294 Palestinians were killed by Israel while attempting to collect humanitarian aid since June 30.
France's Macron Sues Candace Owens over Claim His Wife Was Born Male
1 hari lalu
Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have filed a defamation lawsuit against American podcaster Candace Owens.
