In brief
In a significant diplomatic move, President Emmanuel Macron of France is set to formally recognize a Palestinian state, asserting the necessity for a new political approach and peace initiative in the region. This decision follows the similar actions of countries such as the UK, Canada, and Australia. However, major European allies Germany and Italy have opted not to support this recognition at this time. The announcement comes amid tensions from Israel, which condemns the recognition as a boost for Hamas, raising questions about the future of Middle Eastern diplomacy and European unity on this sensitive issue.
President Emmanuel Macron will formally recognise a Palestinian state in New York on Monday, backed by several other European countries, describing France's move as a necessity.
Coming hard on the heels of a decision by the UK, Canada, and Australia, Macron said his move would be the beginning of a political process and a peace and security plan for everybody.
France, like the UK, carries considerable diplomatic weight as both a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the G7, and is co-ordinating the push with Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of this week's UN General Assembly.
Paris will not be joined by two of the other big European states in the G7, Germany and Italy, and not by the US either.
Israel has denounced the move as a reward for Hamas, and its UN ambassador has called Monday's event a circus.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted there will be no Palestinian state to the west of the River Jordan, and President Isaac Herzog said recognising one would only embolden the forces of darkness.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot was adamant that his country's move was a categorical rejection of Hamas but said it was symbolic, immediate, and political, demonstrating France's commitment to the two-state solution.
Barrot spoke of Macron's declaration as a great diplomatic victory for our country. Paris has said Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and other small states also plan to announce formal recognition.
Ahead of Macron's announcement, Palestinian and Israeli flags were displayed on the Eiffel Tower. Pro-Palestinian protests took place in Italy where the government cautioned that recognizing a state that does not exist could backfire.
In Germany, notwithstanding its traditional support for Israel, calls for humanitarian action in Gaza are growing, with officials asserting that statehood for Palestine is not currently up for serious debate.
Macron's high-profile recognition at the UN is met with critical responses domestically, including from opposition party members who argue it undermines Israel amidst ongoing tensions.
The evolving political landscape surrounding the recognition of Palestinian statehood reflects deep divisions among European nations, each navigating their historical ties and geopolitical interests while addressing a complex humanitarian crisis.
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