Abu Dhabi – Nations & Agencies
The announcement from French President Emmanuel Macron regarding intent to recognize the state of Palestine has been met with widespread regional and international approval. The UAE viewed this move as a boost to efforts aimed at achieving a two-state solution and establishing a just peace in the region. Meanwhile, Paris emphasized that this decision serves to affirm the correctness of the peace camp, although it faced opposition from the United States and Israel.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed his support for President Macron’s declaration about France’s intention to recognize the brotherly state of Palestine.
He noted that this action strengthens the international community’s efforts toward realizing a two-state solution and establishing lasting peace in the region. He expressed appreciation from the UAE for this significant decision, especially at a critical moment that calls for collective international responsibility.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to activate the political process and end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, contributing to enhancing security and stability in the region while supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly the establishment of their independent sovereign state as per United Nations resolutions and related international agreements.
He reiterated the UAE’s unwavering commitment to supporting the aspirations of the Palestinian people and safeguarding their rights, while continuing to work with regional and international partners to achieve a fair and lasting resolution that ends the conflict and paves the way for a more stable and prosperous future for the peoples of the region.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed Macron’s message, confirming that France would recognize the state of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September. He expressed appreciation for this courageous step, believing it will help establish peace based on the two-state solution in accordance with international legitimacy and law.
Abbas stated that this act is a victory for Palestinian rights and indicates France’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights in their homeland, adhering to international law and legitimacy.
Jordan also welcomed Macron’s announcement as a significant move to counter attempts to deny the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people regarding self-determination and the establishment of their independent and sovereign state on their national territory.
In a statement released by the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was highlighted that this declaration aligns with international efforts aimed at recognizing a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, pursuant to international legitimacy and the Arab peace initiative.
Saudi Arabia expressed its support for Macron’s announcement regarding the recognition of the state of Palestine. The Kingdom praised this historic decision, affirming the international consensus on the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
It underlined the importance of continuing to urge other nations to follow suit in implementing international resolutions that bolster the commitment to international law. The Kingdom reiterated its call for countries yet to recognize Palestine to take similarly positive steps supporting peace and the rights of the Palestinian people.
Kuwait welcomed Macron’s announcement regarding the official recognition of the state of Palestine, emphasizing the need for all countries to take similar steps to achieve a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.
Egypt also welcomed Macron’s announcement, viewing it as a pivotal and historic step in supporting the establishment of an independent state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry asserted that the French move signifies clear support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination, and stressed the need for other countries that have yet to make this decision to follow the same path.
Meanwhile, France defended its decision to recognize the state of Palestine at the United Nations shortly, asserting that it aims to confirm the correctness of the peace camp. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian stated that Paris does not reward Hamas with this decision but instead demonstrates that the movement is wrong. He noted on social media that by recognizing Palestine, France emphasizes the peace camp’s stance against the war camp.
Conversely, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Macron’s announcement, stating that such a move rewards terrorism and that a Palestinian state under current conditions would be a basis for the destruction of Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Sa’ar remarked on social media that a Palestinian state would effectively become a Hamas state.
In a similar response, U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that Macron’s decision to recognize Palestine holds no weight and changes nothing. He stated to reporters at the White House before departing for Scotland that Macron’s words were inconsequential, even while noting that he regards Macron as a good person.
Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed on social media that this decision only serves Hamas’s propaganda and hinders peace efforts.
Contextual Conditions
In a related context, UK Minister of Science and Technology Peter Kyle expressed a desire for a Palestinian state, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring the very conditions that would allow such a long-term political solution to come to fruition.
He noted the current priority should be addressing the severe and unjust suffering in Gaza. A parliamentary foreign affairs committee recently stated the government cannot continue waiting for an ideal moment to recognize a Palestinian state, noting that a perfect opportunity may never arise.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani suggested that the recognition of a Palestinian state should correlate with the latter’s recognition of Israel, while a spokesperson for the German government stated that Berlin does not plan to acknowledge a Palestinian state in the near future, with its current focus on making overdue progress toward a two-state solution.
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority commend the French approach.
Paris:
In our recognition, we state that Hamas is wrong and the peace camp is right.
Trump:
The French recognition of a Palestinian state holds no weight and makes no difference.