France’s Recognition of Palestinian State Sparks Shockwaves in Israel, U.S., and Europe

Kokcha News Agency: French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will recognize Palestine as a state at the United Nations (UN) in September, making it the first country among the UN Security Council and G7 nations to take this step. The decision has sparked widespread surprise and debate globally.

Macron, reaffirming France’s historical commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, stated, “I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine, in the hope of creating a joint momentum towards peace.” This move comes after months of escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands have died due to Israel’s blockade and attacks, and over 100 Palestinians have reportedly starved to death since March.

The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called the decision a “reward for terrorism” and accused France of aiming to “destroy Israel.”

Why Now?

The timing of Macron’s decision is closely tied to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Images of emaciated Palestinians, including children, have dominated Western media headlines, prompting international outcry. Leaders from France, the UK, and Germany have recently convened to address the urgent need for humanitarian aid in Gaza.

The Gaza Health Ministry reports that the death toll in the besieged region has approached 60,000, with many European leaders increasingly taking a hardline stance against Israel. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the suffering in Gaza as “unbearable” and called for an immediate end to the crisis.

International Reactions

Macron’s decision follows in the footsteps of several European allies, including Ireland, Norway, and Spain, who have already recognized Palestine. A French official told CNN International, “I have spoken with my colleagues on the phone, and I am confident that we will not be the only country to recognize Palestine in September.”

Attention now turns to the UK and Germany. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in his clearest statement yet, called the suffering in Gaza “indescribable and indefensible” and stated that statehood is an “inalienable right of the Palestinian people.”

The United States, Israel’s closest ally, is unlikely to follow suit. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio firmly rejected Macron’s decision, reflecting the deep divide within the international community on this issue.

How Many Countries Recognize Palestine?

Since Israel’s war on Gaza began on October 7, 2023, eight countries have recognized Palestine as a state. In total, 147 countries have now recognized Palestine, with Armenia and Slovenia formalizing their stance in June 2024. Spain, Ireland, and Norway joined the list last month, aiming to restart the peace process based on a two-state solution.

Within the European Union (EU), the issue remains deeply divisive. Of the 27 EU member states, 11 recognize Palestine, including Spain, Romania, Sweden, Ireland, and Bulgaria.

Palestine’s Role at the United Nations

While many European countries, including France and the UK, maintain diplomatic relations with the Palestinian Authority, they have not yet recognized Palestine as a state. In November 2012, Palestine was granted non-member observer state status at the UN, allowing it to participate in most meetings and access documents but not to vote or propose resolutions.