US Secretary of State Marco Rubio slammed Emmanuel Macron after the French president said on Thursday that France would recognize Palestinian statehood, arguing it will only assist Hamas and downgrade prospects of reaching a peace deal between the Palestinian militant group and Israel, APA reports citing The Hill.
“The United States strongly rejects Emmanuel Macron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN general assembly,” Rubio said in a Thursday evening statement on X. “This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.”
Macron said the decision is part of a commitment to a “just and lasting peace” in the Middle East and that he will make the announcement before the United Nations General Assembly in September.
So far, 146 countries have recognized the Palestinian state. France became the first member of the Group of Seven (G7) to do so.
Macron’s announcement came the same day as the discussion between Israel and Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government, about forging a ceasefire and releasing the hostages fell apart. Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s Middle East envoy, hammered Hamas, saying the group lacks the “desire” to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
“We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza,” Witkoff said in a statement. “It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza.”
Israel has pushed against the international recognition of the Palestinian state, especially at the UN.
