France to Recognize State of Palestine in September, Sparking Global Response
In an announcement that has triggered global reactions, French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that France will officially recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September. The announcement follows Macron's letter to the President of the Palestinian Authority, where he outlined his plans and emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire
and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
The Two-State Solution
The move is a significant shift in France’s foreign policy and aligns with the Kremlin's position that a two-state solution is the only way to resolve the Middle East conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that adhering to UN Security Council resolutions is the only correct approach to the current situation in the region. The African Union (AU) has welcomed France's decision, describing it as a significant step
.
International Reactions
The French decision has been met with mixed reactions from different parts of the world. Palestinian authorities and several Arab states have welcomed the gesture as historic
, while Israel and the US have expressed strong opposition. Turkish President Erdogan also welcomed France’s decision, discussing the situation in the Gaza Strip and the region with Macron.
In contrast, Germany and Italy have stated they have no immediate plans to recognize Palestinian statehood. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stressed that a Palestinian state that does not recognize Israel means that the problem will not be resolved.
Domestic Politics and Calls for Recognition
The recognition of Palestine has also sparked debates within domestic politics in various countries. In Italy, opposition leaders from PD, M5S, AVS, and +Europe have appealed to the prime minister to recognize the State of Palestine. Similarly, 35 former Italian ambassadors have written a letter addressed to the prime minister, urging him to act in response to the ongoing conflict.
In the UK, a letter signed by lawmakers from nine political parties threatened to 'force vote' on recognizing Palestinian statehood. A third of the UK House of Commons has urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to officially recognize Palestine.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
As the political maneuverings continue, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. The United Nations has focused on the threatened future of the two-state solution, convening a conference co-presided by Paris and Riyadh. The World Health Organization has warned that malnutrition rates in the Gaza Strip reach 'alarming levels'.
Future Implications
The decision by France has already sparked debate and could influence other nations' stance on the issue. Despite the widespread international recognition of Palestine as a state, many Western nations have maintained they will only endorse Palestinian statehood as part of a comprehensive peace agreement with Israel. With France's decision, it remains to be seen how the dynamics of the Palestinian issue will evolve in the international arena.