France will recognize the Palestinian State of Hamas: a positive move

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations meeting in September. He is the largest European power to announce this move.

Macron wrote on social media platforms X and Instagram on Thursday (July 24) : "I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine and honor its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East." I will officially announce it at the United Nations General Assembly in September.

According to AFP, despite strong opposition from Israel and the United States, at least 142 countries currently recognize or plan to recognize the status of a Palestinian state.

Since Israel launched its bombing of the Gaza Strip in response to the attacks on October 7, 2023, several countries have announced plans to recognize the status of a Palestinian state.

Macron's statement immediately sparked outrage in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called it a "reward for terrorism" and a threat to Israel's survival.

Netanyahu issued a statement saying that this move "has the potential to create another Iranian agent like Gaza does", which will serve as "a springboard to eliminate Israel rather than to coexist peacefully with it".

Hussein al-Sheikh, the deputy of Palestinian President Abbas, expressed his gratitude to Macron. Sheikh said, "This position reflects France's commitment to international law and its support for the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent state."

Hamas praised France's move, calling it a "positive initiative", and urged all countries to take the same action despite Israel's opposition.

Hamas issued a statement saying: "We believe this is a positive step in the right direction, aimed at upholding justice for the oppressed Palestinian people and supporting their legitimate right to self-determination."

Hamas added: "We call on all countries in the world - especially European countries and those that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine - to follow France's example."

Top priority

The international community is increasingly concerned about the plight of over two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The fighting has triggered a serious humanitarian crisis and raised concerns about large-scale famine.

Israel denies the accusation that it is responsible for the escalating famine crisis in Gaza. The World Health Organization said the crisis was "man-made", and France blamed it on Israel's "blockade". Macron pointed out: "The top priority now is to end the war in Gaza and save civilians."