The United States has responded to French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to recognize Palestine as a state at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected Macron’s decision, terming it reckless.
Rubio said the move will only reverse the progress made towards peace and promote Hamas propaganda.
“The United States strongly rejects Macron’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,” Rubio said.
Macron announced his decision in a statement shared on social media platforms.
He stated that the decision to recognize Palestine as a state is aimed at ensuring peace.
He explained that peace is possible, and the urgent priority is to end the war in Gaza and to bring relief to the civilian population.
“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,” Macron said.
Macron Calls for Ceasefire
Further, Macron said there is need for an immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.
He emphasized that the French people want peace in the Middle East, and it is their responsibility alongside Israelis, Palestinians, and European and international partners to prove that peace is possible.
“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,” he said.
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Letter to Palestine Leader
Macron wrote a letter to the President of the Palestine Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, to express France’s commitment to fostering the implementation of the solution of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
In the letter, Macron said the solution is the only path that can address the legitimate aspirations of both the Israelis and the Palestinians.
He revealed that the aim of the high-level conference that France and Saudi Arabia will chair at the United Nations is to implement the only viable solution to fulfil the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, end all forms of terrorism and violence, and enable Israel and all the region’s countries to live in peace and security
“In this context, I have the honour of confirming that, in light of your commitments, France will fully recognize Palestine as a State when I go to the United Nations General Assembly in September,” Macron said.
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France to Support Peace in Middle East
Macron stated that France will make a decisive contribution to peace in the Middle East and mobilize all its international partners that wish to take part.
He announced that he will pay particular attention to the implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza, the liberation of hostages still held by Hamas, their disarmament, and the consolidation of the Palestinian Authority across the Palestinian territories.
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