France Defends Palestine State Recognition Amid Global Criticism

France is standing firm on its decision to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state, despite international criticism and political backlash at home.

President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday, July 24, 2025, that France would officially recognize a Palestinian state during a UN summit in September.

With this declaration, France becomes the most powerful European country to commit to Palestinian statehood.

Criticism from Israel and the United States

The announcement quickly sparked condemnation. Israel accused Macron of rewarding terrorism, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the decision “reckless” and claimed it only boosted Hamas propaganda.

In a sarcastic response, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on X:

“I can now exclusively disclose that France will offer the French Riviera and the new nation will be called ‘Franc-en-Stine’.”

This comment mocked France’s failure to define where the proposed Palestinian state would be located.

Hamas Reacts Positively

Hamas, designated as a terrorist group by both the United States and the European Union, praised France’s move.

The group described it as “a positive step in the right direction toward achieving justice for our oppressed Palestinian people.”

However, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot pushed back on suggestions that France’s plan aligns with Hamas.

He insisted the move was independent of the militant group’s agenda.

Mixed Reactions Across France and Europe

Domestic political responses have been split. The left-wing parties hailed the move as a moral stand. Right-wing leaders criticized it sharply, while Macron’s government mostly kept quiet.

Internationally, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would speak with Macron and Germany’s chancellor to discuss a path to ending the conflict.

He added that a ceasefire could pave the way for more nations to recognize Palestine.

Several European countries, including Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, have already recognized Palestinian statehood since the Gaza conflict began.

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