The United States has condemned France’s decision to recognise Palestinian statehood.
The US made its position known in a post by its ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, who described the move as a blow to peace.
“France’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state is a gift to Hamas and a blow to peace. I’ve just arrived, and I’m deeply disappointed. @EmmanuelMacron – I hope to change your mind before September. Free the hostages. Focus on a ceasefire. This is the path to lasting peace,” he posted on his official X handle.
His comments come as Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, also condemned the move announced by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Netanyahu shared Israel’s position on his official X handle.
“We strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the October 7 massacre. Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became.
“A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it. Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel.”
Macron made the declaration via his official X handle on Wednesday, saying the decision aligns with France’s “historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”
“Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine,” Macron stated.
He added that the formal announcement will be made at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
“I will make this solemn announcement before the United Nations General Assembly this coming September,” he said.
Macron stressed the urgent need to end the war in Gaza, provide humanitarian assistance, and secure the region, calling for the demilitarisation of Hamas and the rebuilding of Gaza.
“The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and to bring relief to the civilian population,” he wrote. “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.”
He emphasized that the future Palestinian state must be committed to peace and coexistence, with full recognition of Israel.
“And finally, we must build the State of Palestine, guarantee its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the region,” Macron added.
He underscored the desire for peace among the French population, stating: “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.”
Macron also revealed that he has communicated directly with the President of the Palestinian Authority to express his intentions.
“In light of the commitments made to me by the President of the Palestinian Authority, I have written to him to express my determination to move forward,” he said.
He ended his statement with a message of hope and resolve: “Trust, clarity, and resolve. We will achieve peace.”
France’s decision brings the number of countries recognizing the Palestinian state to at least 146. However, the United States, a long-time ally of Israel, has notably withheld such recognition.
In April 2024, the U.S. blocked a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would have enabled a General Assembly vote on granting Palestine full U.N. membership.
It remains unclear whether Macron’s move will further complicate relations with Washington, as the U.S. continues to resist international efforts to formally recognise Palestinian statehood amidst the prolonged and deadly conflict between Israel and Palestine.
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