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Secretary of state Marco Rubio condemned the move of French president Emmanuel Macron recognize a Palestinian state.
Rubio described the decision, which was announced Thursday, as a “slap opposite” to the victims of the attack of October 7, 2023 against Israel.
Nowsweek Contacted the offices of Macron and the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a response to the declaration.
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The context
The war in Gaza began when the Palestinian Hamas movement launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Macron’s decision is in the midst of a wave of nations that move to recognize the Palestinian state, bringing the number of nations closer to Israel.
Of the 193 UN member states, around 147 currently recognize the state of Palestine, which obtained the status of non -member observer in the UN in 2012. Israel, which is a full member of the UN, is currently recognized by around 165 UN member states.
What to know
In a press release published on X, Rubio said the White House would reject Macron decision.
“The United States strongly rejects Emmanuel MacronThe plan to recognize a Palestinian state in the United Nations General Assembly, “said Rubio.
“This reckless decision only serves Hamas’ propaganda and puts peace. It is a slap in front of the victims of October 7.”
In Macron’s declaration announcing the decision, the French president said that “there is no alternative” to find peace in the Middle East and that it was the responsibility of other international leaders to follow the step.
“We need an immediate cease-fire, the release of all hostages and massive humanitarian aid for the inhabitants of Gaza. We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza,” said Macron.
“And finally, we must build the state of Palestine, guarantee its viability and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and by fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the region.”
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement, said on Thursday: “We firmly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state alongside Tel Aviv following the massacre of October 7. Such a decision rewards terror and the risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza has become.
“A Palestinian state under these conditions would be a launch ramp to destroy Israel – not to live in peace next to it. Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not look for a state alongside Israel; they are looking for a state instead of Israel.”
What people say
In a declaration shared with NowsweekDanny Danon, Ambassador of Israel at the The United Nations said: “No international conferences disconnected from reality or unilateral statements to the UN will lead to peace.
“Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state after the massacre of October 7 and precisely at a time when Hamas The hostage of hostages is always a shameful reward for terrorism. “”
What happens next
As a major European power and permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the change of France has the potential to further stimulate the recognition of the Palestinian State across Europe and beyond.
