French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France will recognize the State of Palestine has drawn sharp criticism from senior U.S. officials. Macron stressed that the immediate priority must be an end to the war in Gaza and urgent humanitarian assistance for civilians. He called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and large-scale humanitarian aid, alongside the disarmament of Hamas and the reconstruction of Gaza.

Fierce Criticism from Israel and the US

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted strongly, claiming that France’s move “rewards terror.” He asserted that Palestinians do not seek coexistence with Israel but rather seek a state “in place of Israel.”

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also denounced the French decision. The US has officially rejected the French plan, warning that it undermines peace efforts.

 Rubio speaking on Thursday, stated that the decision—expected to be formally declared during the UN General Assembly in September—serves only to support Hamas’s propaganda efforts. “This reckless decision does nothing but serve Hamas and represents a step backward for peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7,” Rubio said in a post on X, referencing the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

Palestinian and International Support

Despite the criticism, the announcement was met with praise by Palestinian officials and several countries. Hussein al-Sheikh, Vice President of the Palestine Liberation Organization, called it a “step toward the establishment of our independent state.” Hamas welcomed the move and urged other governments to follow suit.

Saudi Arabia lauded the “historic” decision and echoed calls for similar action by other nations. Macron stated in a letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that France would mobilize international partners willing to join the initiative.

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To date, at least 142 countries have recognized the State of Palestine, according to AFP figures. Ireland, Spain, Norway, and Slovenia made similar declarations earlier in 2024.

Europe Remains Divided

The European response remains mixed. While countries like Spain and Ireland have embraced recognition, others, such as Germany, remain hesitant, warning that it may send “the wrong message” at this time.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for an urgent dialogue with French and German counterparts to explore ways to end the violence and ensure the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza’s population of over two million people.

Conditions from the Palestinian Authority

In a letter dated June 9, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas pledged that Hamas would be demilitarized under a future Palestinian state. He also committed to holding parliamentary and presidential elections in 2026 to strengthen the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority, including in the Gaza Strip.

Macron emphasized that the two-state solution remains the only viable path forward and expressed hope that Israeli leaders would recognize it as being in their own national interest.

Mixed Reactions in France

Within France, the announcement triggered political backlash. Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, condemned the move as “hasty” and accused Macron of offering Hamas “unwarranted institutional and international legitimacy.” In contrast, Jean-Luc Mélenchon of the left-wing France Unbowed party welcomed the move as a “moral victory,” though he criticized the delay in implementation.

The announcement comes as indirect negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, held in Doha, have been declared a failure by US envoy Steve Whitkoff.