The United States has harshly criticized France’s recent decision to officially recognize the State of Palestine, labeling the move as a “gift to Hamas” and a serious setback to peace efforts in the Middle East.
US Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, expressed deep disapproval in a post on X (formerly Twitter), just days after arriving in Paris. “France’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state is a gift to Hamas and a blow to peace,” Kushner wrote, urging French President Emmanuel Macron to reconsider the decision before September. “Free the hostages. Focus on a ceasefire. This is the path to lasting peace.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned Macron’s move, stating it effectively rewards terrorism in the wake of the deadly October 7 attacks. In a strongly worded statement posted on his X handle, Netanyahu said: “A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it.”
He added that Palestinians, under current leadership, are not seeking peaceful coexistence with Israel but rather its replacement, warning that the move could lead to the creation of another Iranian-backed proxy near Israel’s borders.
Macron’s announcement marks a significant diplomatic shift, as France becomes one of the most influential Western nations to formally recognize Palestinian statehood amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The French President said the decision aligns with France’s longstanding commitment to a “just and lasting peace” in the region.
“I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine,” Macron declared in a statement shared on his official X handle. He noted that the formal announcement will be made during his address at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Macron also outlined France’s priorities for the region, emphasizing the need to end the war in Gaza, deliver massive humanitarian aid, and ensure the demilitarization of Hamas. He said a future Palestinian state must commit to peace and the full recognition of Israel.
“The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and to bring relief to the civilian population. We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza,” Macron stated. “By accepting demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, the Palestinian state must contribute to regional security.”
He also revealed that he had communicated directly with the President of the Palestinian Authority and reaffirmed France’s support for a peaceful resolution. “Trust, clarity, and resolve — we will achieve peace,” Macron concluded.
France’s decision increases the number of countries recognizing Palestine to at least 146. However, the United States, a longstanding ally of Israel, continues to resist global calls for Palestinian statehood. In April 2024, the US vetoed a draft resolution at the UN Security Council that would have allowed a General Assembly vote on granting Palestine full membership in the UN.
It remains to be seen how Macron’s decision will affect diplomatic relations between Paris and Washington, especially amid ongoing tensions in the region.
