France to Recognise Palestinian State at UN Summit, Sparking Global Reactions
In a major geopolitical move, France is set to recognise the Palestinian state during a United Nations meeting this September, making it the most influential European nation to take such a step, AFP reported. This decision puts France in line with more than 140 other countries that have already recognized Palestine as a state. It also shows a big change in how the West deals with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But the move has made Israel and the United States very angry.
Macron’s Push for Peace in the Middle East
President Emmanuel Macron said that the most important thing right now is to stop the fighting in Gaza and save innocent lives. He also said that for long-term peace in the area, it is important to make sure that Israel fully recognizes and protects a viable Palestinian state. Macron also backed a Palestinian state without weapons as a way to make the region more stable.
Saudi Arabia and Palestinian Authority Welcome France’s Decision
Saudi Arabia called Macron’s choice “historic” and urged other countries to do the same. The Saudi Foreign Ministry said that this recognition shows that the whole world agrees that the Palestinian people have the right to choose their own future and have their own state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Palestinian leadership also praised France, with Hussein al Sheikh, deputy to President Mahmoud Abbas, stating the move is a “major diplomatic milestone” in the fight for Palestinian sovereignty and justice. He described it as a reflection of France’s commitment to international law.
Israel and US Condemn Macron’s Announcement
Israel was very upset by the news. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister, called the move a “reward for terrorism” and said that France was supporting extremist groups. He said that these kinds of choices make Israel less safe and make things more unstable.
Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, also disagreed with Macron’s position, saying it would only help Hamas spread false information and make it harder to make peace. Rubio wrote on social media, “This is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.”
Pakistan and Allies Condemn Israel’s Aggression
Pakistan condemned Israel’s attempt to assert sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, calling it illegal under international law. The Foreign Office described these actions as a “serious escalation” that threatens peace and regional security. Islamabad reiterated its support for Palestine and urged the global community to act urgently.
Canada and Australia echoed similar sentiments. Both countries criticised Israel for creating a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and blocking aid. Canadian PM Mark Carney and Australian PM Anthony Albanese both demanded an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the importance of upholding international law.
Ongoing War and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Since October 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, including more than 17,000 kids. Tens of thousands of people have been hurt or are still missing. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders for war crimes, and Israel is also facing genocide charges at the International Court of Justice.
A proposed 60-day ceasefire would bring temporary peace, allow humanitarian aid, and make it easier for talks to happen about releasing hostages.
