In his Thursday post on X, Macron wrote: “True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine. <\/p>\n
“We must also guarantee the demilitarisation of Hamas, and secure and rebuild Gaza. <\/p>\n
“Finally, we must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East. There is no alternative.”<\/p>\n
Macron also attached a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming his decision.<\/p>\n
Responding to Macron’s announcement, Abbas’ deputy Hussein al-Sheikh said “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”, according to the AFP news agency.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Netanyahu wrote in a post on X: “We strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the 7 October massacre.<\/p>\n
“A Palestinian state in these conditions 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,” Netanyahu added.<\/p>\n
Hamas said France’s decision was a “positive step in the right direction” and urged all countries of the world “to follow France’s lead”. <\/p>\n
Currently, the State of Palestine is recognised by more than 140 of the 193 member states of the UN.<\/p>\n
A few European Union countries, including Spain and Ireland, are among them. <\/p>\n
But Israel’s main supporter, the US, and its allies including the UK have not recognised a Palestinian state.<\/p>\n