France to recognize State of Palestine in September
France said on Friday that its plan to formally recognize a Palestinian state runs counter to the stance held by Palestinian militant group Hamas.
"Hamas has always ruled out a two-state solution. By recognizing Palestine, France goes against that terrorist organization," Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on X, a day after President Emmanuel Macron said France would recognize Palestinian statehood in September.
Hamas welcomed the president's announcement, calling it "a positive step in the right direction toward doing justice to our oppressed Palestinian people".
Israel said that the move "rewards terror", while the U.S. called it "reckless".
But Barrot said in his X message that France, with its decision, was "backing the side of peace against the side of war".
Saudi Arabia hails 'historic' France recognition of Palestinian state
Saudi Arabia on Friday hailed as "historic" French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France would recognize the state of Palestine, and urged other countries to follow suit.
"The kingdom praises this historic decision, which reaffirms the international community's consensus on the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state," the Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement.
US slams France's plans to recognize Palestinian state as 'reckless decision'
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday slammed President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September as a "reckless decision."
"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 on X, alluding to the Hamas attack on Israel in 2023 that triggered the war in Gaza.
Hamas says French pledge to recognize State of Palestine 'positive step'
Islamist militant group Hamas hailed France's pledge on Thursday to recognise a State of Palestine as a "positive step" and urged all countries to do the same despite Israeli opposition.
"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," Hamas said in a statement, after French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France would formally state its recognition in September.
"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 added.
Abbas hails French recognition as 'victory for Palestinian cause'
Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Friday hailed the decision by France to press ahead with recognizing a Palestinian state as a "victory for the Palestinian cause".
"This reflects France's commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights to their land and their homeland," the president of the Palestinian Authority said.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that Paris would recognize a Palestinian state in September, drawing fury from Israeli leaders.
Palestinian VP welcomes France's move
Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas's deputy Hussein al-Sheikh on Thursday welcomed France's intent to recognize a State of Palestine, thanking President Emmanuel Macron.
"This position reflects France's commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people's rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state," Sheikh said.
Spanish PM welcomes French recognition of State of Palestine
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday welcomed France's decision to join Spain in recognizing the State of Palestine, saying it would "protect" a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"Together, we must protect what (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution," the Socialist leader, an outspoken critic of Israel's offensive in Gaza, wrote on X.
Israel says French recognition of State of Palestine 'rewards terror'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said France's decision to recognize a State of Palestine "rewards terror" and poses an existential threat to Israel.
Netanyahu said in a statement that the move "risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became", which would be "a launch pad to annihilate Israel -- not to live in peace beside it".
"Let's be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel," he added.
Germany says no plans to recognize a Palestinian state 'in short term'
Germany said Friday it had "no plans to recognize a Palestinian state in the short term".
"The government continues to regard the recognition of a Palestinian state as one of the final steps on the path to achieving a two-state solution," spokesman Stefan Kornelius said in a statement, adding that "Israel's security is of paramount importance to the German government".
Source: Agence France Presse
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