PARIS, Aug 31: French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state has angered Israel and its US ally, Israel, by putting a two-state solution back at the heart of diplomatic efforts to end the devastating war in Gaza.
Macron’s diplomatic efforts stem from their outrage at the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, for which there can be no justification.
Israel declared Gaza’s largest city a combat zone as the death toll surpassed 63,000 Palestinians since the war started on October 7, 2023.
France, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Malta have said they will formalize their pledge during the annual gathering of world leaders at the UN General Assembly, which starts September 23.
Some others, including New Zealand, Finland, and Portugal, are considering a similar move.
Israel and the US argue that recognising a Palestinian state emboldens militants, and some supporters of a two-state solution show disappointment at leaders’ decision to wait until September to officially recognize a Palestinian state.
More than 140 countries already recognize a Palestinian state in a mostly symbolic move, adding diplomatic pressure on Israel.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot insisted this week that diplomatic efforts led by France and Saudi Arabia also resulted in highly significant condemnation of the Hamas attacks against civilians by all 22 members of the Arab League. (AP)
