France will recognise Palestine as a state – Macron

Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron says France will recognise Palestine as a state as part of its commitment to a lasting peace in the Middle East.

In a letter to Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian authority, on Thursday, Macron said his country’s position would be made known at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September.

Abbas had written Macron in June about the need to urgently implement a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.

The Palestinian leader said the authority is committed to disarming Hamas, withdrawing their governance from Gaza, and holding elections to enhance credibility over a future Palestinian state.

Macron agreed with Abbas in his responding letter.

“Peace is possible,” Macron said.

“We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.

“We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza. And finally, we must build the State of Palestine, guarantee its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the region. There is no alternative.

“The French people want peace in the Middle East. It is our responsibility — as French citizens, alongside Israelis, Palestinians, and our European and international partners — to prove that peace is possible.”

This makes France the first G7 nation to publicly support calls for a Palestinian state.

Marco Rubio, US secretary of state, said America “strongly rejects” Macron’s “reckless” decision. Thecable