French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine in September during the United Nations General Assembly session in New York, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to X.
Macron explained that this decision is part of France’s historical responsibility to ensure a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. He added that the formal recognition will be announced during the General Assembly this year and also shared a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas via the social media platform.
The French president emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the provision of substantial humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. He also called for the demilitarization of Hamas, the assurance of security, and the reconstruction of Gaza.
Palestinian officials welcomed Macron’s decision, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that this step would be a “reward for terrorism” following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. According to Netanyahu, the creation of a Palestinian state under these circumstances would serve as a “launching pad” for the destruction of Israel, not for peaceful coexistence.
Earlier we wrote that Zelensky and Macron agree on drone production with Renault in Ukraine.