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France defended its choice to acknowledge Palestinian statehood in the face of both domestic and international backlash on Friday, which included accusations that the decision benefits the militant group Hamas.
President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that his country would officially recognise a Palestinian state during a UN gathering in September, making France the leading European nation to take such a stance.
Macron’s announcement drew condemnation from Israel, which said it “rewards terror”, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it “reckless” and said it “only serves Hamas propaganda”.
Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, humorously noted that Macron did not specify where a future Palestinian state would be situated.
“I can now exclusively disclose that France will offer the French Riviera & the new nation will be called “Franc-en-Stine”, he said on X.
Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist organisation by both the United States and the European Union, commended the French initiative, stating it was “a positive step in the right direction toward achieving justice for our oppressed Palestinian people.”
However, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot asserted on Friday that Macron’s proposal contradicted the desires of the militant group. Domestic reactions varied, with those on the left expressing approval, the right openly criticising the move, and the government itself remaining awkwardly silent.
While France would be the largest European nation to recognise Palestinian statehood, other countries have indicated they might follow suit.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced he would speak with leaders from Germany and France on Friday to discuss methods to halt the violence, adding that a ceasefire would “set us on a course toward recognising a Palestinian state.”
Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have all declared their recognition following the start of the Gaza conflict, along with several other nations outside Europe.
