"We will finalize the recognition of Palestine as an independent state" - French President Emmanuel Macron

"We will finalize the recognition of Palestine as an independent state" - French President Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron has said that his country may recognize Palestine as an independent state within the next few months. In an interview with France 5 television, he stated, "We need to move towards recognition, and we will do so in the coming months."

Macron clarified that this recognition is not intended to please any party, but rather, he is considering it with the purpose of doing "the right thing when the time comes." This step could be finalized at a United Nations conference in June, which will be jointly organized by France and Saudi Arabia.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad al-Maliki welcomed this announcement, saying that it is "a positive step for the rights of Palestinians and for preserving the two-state solution."

On the other hand, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen criticized the move, calling it "encouraging Hamas." He stated, "In the current reality, unilaterally recognizing a fictional Palestinian state would reward terrorism and move peace, security, and stability further away in our region."

Currently, 146 out of 193 United Nations member states have recognized Palestine. In 2024, countries like Armenia, Slovenia, Ireland, Norway, Spain, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados joined the list. However, major Western countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany have not yet recognized it.

Macron expressed hope that recognizing Palestine might encourage some Middle Eastern countries to move towards recognizing Israel. Currently, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen have not recognized Israel.

He added, "By recognizing Palestine, we will clearly be able to say that we are opposing those who deny Israel's existence, such as Iran, and we are committed to collective security in the region."

Macron's comments reflect France's long-standing two-state solution policy, which remains firm even after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

If this recognition takes effect, it could signal a significant change in France's policy and could lead to tensions in its relationship with Israel.

Sources: Al Jazeera and various news agencies