July 25, (THEWILL) — The United States has strongly rejected French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state, a move that has drawn praise from Hamas and condemnation from Israel.
THEWILL earlier reported that Macron, on Thursday, announced France’s intention to formally recognize a Palestinian state during the United Nations General Assembly in September, expressing hope that the step would contribute to peace in the Middle East.
Israel swiftly denounced the proposal, accusing Macron of endorsing terrorism. In a similar vein, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the French plan as a “reckless decision.”
“This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace,” Rubio wrote in a post on X.
Washington’s ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, had previously stated in June that the recognition of a Palestinian state was no longer a priority in U.S. foreign policy.
Meanwhile, Palestinian militant group Hamas welcomed the French pledge and called on other nations to follow suit.
“We consider this a positive step in the right direction toward doing justice to our oppressed Palestinian people and supporting their legitimate right to self-determination. We call on all countries of the world, especially European nations and those that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to follow France’s lead,” Hamas said in a statement.
In a related development, over 30 former British ambassadors and 20 ex-senior UN diplomats have urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to recognize Palestinian statehood unconditionally.
In a joint statement, the diplomats implored Starmer to seize the “moment to recognise Palestinian statehood unconditionally,” warning that “the risks of inaction have profound, historic and catastrophic implications.”
They added, “In the face of the current horror and impunity, words are not enough. A partial suspension of arms sales, delays on trade talks and limited sanctions are far from the full extent of the pressure the UK can bring to bear on Israel. Recognising a Palestinian state would be a foundational first step toward breaking the deadly status quo.”
The diplomats also cited the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where starvation and widespread devastation continue to affect the enclave’s two million residents amid ongoing Israeli attacks and aid restrictions.
“Israel cannot be secure from threats in the future if the question of Palestine is not taken forward to a political settlement,” they said.
The UK government has maintained that it would recognize a Palestinian state “at a time that delivers maximum impact,” and preferably in coordination with key allies.
Several European countries have already taken the step since the ongoing Gaza war. Slovenia, Spain, Ireland, and Norway all recognized Palestinian statehood in 2024, while Sweden and Iceland did so in 2014 and 2011, respectively.
If France proceeds with the recognition in September, it would become the most prominent and powerful European country, and the first among the G7, to do so.
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