France’s announcement to formally recognise the state of Palestine in September has sparked strong reactions from the United States and Israel, with both nations calling the move dangerous, misguided, and a reward for terror.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that Paris will push for Palestinian statehood recognition during the upcoming UN General Assembly session. He emphasised that the “urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and rescue the civilian population.”
The move, however, was met with fierce backlash from key allies.
“Slap in the Face to Victims of October 7,” Says US
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sharply criticised Macron’s decision, calling it “reckless” and damaging to peace efforts.
The United States strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the @UN general assembly.
This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 25, 2025
“The United States strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the @UN General Assembly. This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th,” he wrote on X.
Rubio’s remarks referred to the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel that triggered the current conflict in Gaza.
Israel Warns of New “Iranian Proxy”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the decision, stating it “rewards terror” and could lead to the creation of another Iranian-backed proxy similar to Gaza. “It risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became… a launch pad to annihilate Israel not to live in peace beside it,” Netanyahu warned.
Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin added, “France’s shameful decision is a black mark on French history and a direct aid to terrorism.” Levin also called for extending Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank.
France Defends Recognition Push as Humanitarian Urgency
Despite the criticism, President Macron defended the move as a necessary step toward ending the war and alleviating the suffering of over two million Palestinians in Gaza. He stressed that statehood must come with demilitarisation and full recognition of Israel.
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“We must finally build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability and enable it… to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East,” Macron said on social media.
France’s move aligns it with 142 countries that have either recognised or pledged to recognise Palestinian statehood.
Support from Palestinian Leaders and Global Community
The announcement was welcomed by Palestinian officials. Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh said it reflects France’s commitment to international law and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
Hamas also praised the decision, calling it “a positive step in the right direction” and urged other nations particularly European powers to follow France’s lead.
Saudi Arabia, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia echoed similar sentiments, calling the recognition “historic” and vital for long-term peace. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, “Together, we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution.”
Growing Support Amid Escalating Conflict
France’s decision comes amid international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The World Health Organisation has called the deepening hunger crisis “man-made”, while France has accused Israel of enforcing a “blockade”.
As of now, Gaza’s health ministry reports over 59,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began, while the October 2023 Hamas attack killed 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians.
