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The Israel Ambassador at the The United Nations In a declaration shared with Nowsweek condemned the French president Emmanuel MacronThe decision to recognize the Palestinian state.
“Neither the international conferences disconnected from reality nor from unilateral statements to the UN will lead to peace,” said the Israeli permanent representative of the UN Danny Danon in a press release shared with Nowsweek. “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. “”
“Whoever ignores reality on the ground – that Israel has no partner for peace – not only harms Israel, but also to the stability of the whole region,” he added.
Macron announced in a statement earlier Thursday that “France will recognize the state of Palestine”, a decision which, according to him, was “consistent” with “the historical commitment of his country towards a just and lasting peace in the Middle East”.
The French chief continued to call for an “urgent end of war” as well as greater humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza.
Christophe ENA / POOL / AFP / Getty Images
Why this counts
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 during the war in Gaza, which began when the Palestinian movement of Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
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 165 UN member states.
The vast majority of the international community recognizes both the Israeli and Palestinian state.
France is also one of the many European nations to demand an immediate cease-fire at the Israel offensive in Gaza. The last blow has the potential to add to international pressure on Israel as it promises to continue its war efforts until Hamas is defeated and all the remaining hostages are released.
Israel and the United States have both repeatedly rejected the prospect of recognizing the Palestinian state unless a complete peace agreement is concluded between the two peoples.
What to know
According to Israeli officials, around 1,200 people, the majority of civilians, were killed during the initial attack in Hamas. 251 additional were taken hostage by Hamas, 50 of which are still considered in the captivity of the group.
Throughout the conflict, more than 59,500 people were killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health led by Hamas, which does not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, although most people killed are among women, children and the elderly.
Thousands of others were killed in Lebanon, West Bank, Syria and Iran when the conflict has spread throughout the region. Israeli defense forces (FDI) have counted 451 killed among its ranks since the start of ground operations in Gaza.
Series of successive counts of ceasefire took place in the Qatari capital in Doha, the United States serving as a mediator.
Before Macron’s announcement Thursday, president Donald TrumpThe special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said that he was withdrawing the American delegation from talks, arguing that Hamas “clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a cease-fire in Gaza”.
Hamas said it was “surprised” by Witkoff’s decision in a statement “, in particular after the mediators welcomed and expressed their satisfaction with this constructive and positive position, which opens the way to a complete agreement”, in a statement published by the group.
“Hamas reiterates its dedication to finish negotiations and engage in a way that overcomes obstacles and obtains a permanent cease-fire agreement,” said the group.
Hamas does not represent the Palestinian delegation to the UN, which is rather supervised by the Palestinian National Authority (PA), a rival government led by President Mahmoud Abbas and based in the West Bank.
What people say
French president Emmanuel Macron, in a statement, said Thursday, “Peace is possible. 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. And finally, we must build the state of Palestine, guarantee its viability, and ensure that by accepting demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel region security.
“There is no alternative. The French people want peace in the Middle East. This is our responsibility – as French citizens, alongside the Israelis, Palestinians and our European and international partners – to prove that peace is possible.
“In the light of the commitments which made me by the president of the Palestinian authority, I wrote to him to express my determination to go ahead. Confidence, clarity and resolution. We will achieve peace.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement said Thursday, “We strongly condemn the decision of President Macron to recognize a Palestinian state alongside Tel Aviv following the massacre of October 7. Such a movement rewards terror and 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 happens next
While recognition of the Palestinian state remains a largely symbolic gesture, France’s decision has the potential to promote closer links between Paris and AP.
As a major European power and permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a quarter of France also has the potential to stimulate recognition of the Palestinian state through the continent and beyond.
This is news. Updates to follow.
