French President Emmanuel Macron told more than 140 leaders at the U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 22 that France recognizes the state of Palestine, calling it a “historic commitment” aimed at securing peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Macron said the recognition is the “only solution” to ensure that Israel can live in peace.
The move follows recognition announcements by the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal this week.
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The United States and Israel continue to oppose Palestinian statehood, arguing that recognition undermines peace efforts and strengthens the terrorist group Hamas, which launched the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and led to 251 hostages being taken.
Making the announcement, Macron said, “The recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people takes nothing away from the rights of the people of Israel, who France supported from day one and to respect of which it is strictly committed. Precisely because we are convinced that this recognition is the only solution that will allow Israel to live in peace.”
U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner wrote on X, “Hamas is celebrating today.”
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Germany, Italy, and Japan took part in the summit but did not issue recognition declarations.
On Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the footage released by Hamas of hostage Alon Ohel, a German-Israeli national captured during the Oct. 7 attack.
Merz, who earlier said that Germany’s commitment to Israel’s existence and security is non-negotiable, called the footage “dehumanizing” and urged Hamas to “immediately release all hostages.”
Ohel’s family urged media outlets not to publish the video. “The most important national message right now is bringing Alon and all the hostages home to their families,” his parents said in a statement.
General Assembly Debate
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres will open the General Assembly debate on Sept. 23 with what his spokesperson described as one of his most urgent appeals yet.
“His speech will be framed around a fundamental question that he will pose to world leaders: What kind of world do we want to choose to build together?” Stephane Dujarric told reporters.
Source:
https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/france-recognizes-palestinian-state-5919052