A “Terror reward” For some, a victory for others. Paris will recognize the state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly next September, Emmanuel Macron announced this Thursday. “True to its historical commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I decided that France will recognize the state of Palestine. I will make the solemn announcement to the United Nations General Assembly, next September ”said the head of state on X.
A decision immediately applauded by Hamas. In a press release, the Islamist movement, which was behind the attack on October 7, 2023 against Israel, greeted “A positive step in the right direction to do justice to our oppressed Palestinian people and support their legitimate right to self -determination.” The organization, supported by Iran, also called “All the countries of the world – especially the European nations and those which have not yet recognized the state of Palestine – to follow the example of France”. According to an AFP count, at least 142 states today recognize Palestine as a state.
On the side of Ramallah, the tone is just as positive. Hussein al-Cheikh, vice-president of the Palestine Liberation Organization (OLP), thanked Emmanuel Macron for this “Position (which) reflects the attachment of France to international law and its support for the rights of the Palestinian people to self -determination and the establishment of our independent state”.
More than 50 hostages still detained
The announcement of the French president intervenes in a context of persistent tensions in the Middle East. Since the attack on October 7, which has cost the lives of more than 1,100 people in Israel, the Israeli army has led a large -scale military operation in the Gaza Strip, with the objective of destroying Hamas and freeing the hostages still retained. Of the 251 people kidnapped that day, 58 are still captive, including 34 that the Israeli army considers to be dead.
Israel strongly denounced Emmanuel Macron’s decision, seeing it as legitimization of terrorism. The United States also has it “Firmly” rejected, judging that it risked complicating diplomatic efforts.
The tenant of the Élysée hopes, “Create a collective dynamic”. In September, France will co -reside with Saudi Arabia an international conference intended to relaunch the peace process based on the so -called solution “To two states”. A preparatory meeting for foreign ministers is scheduled for July 28 and 29 in New York.
