In a significant diplomatic divergence, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly rejected French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September.
Rubio took to social media platform X to voice Washington’s opposition, stating, “This irresponsible move will only amplify Hamas’s narrative and obstruct the path to peace.” The strong rebuke underscores widening gaps between Western allies over how to approach the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Echoing similar sentiments, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee previously remarked in June that the creation of a Palestinian state does not align with current US foreign policy objectives.
President Macron, however, remains steadfast in his stance. In a statement shared via his official X and Instagram accounts, he declared, “In pursuit of my long-standing commitment to a fair and enduring peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine.” He added that a formal announcement would be made at the UN General Assembly in September.
Should France proceed, it would become the most influential European nation to grant recognition to Palestine. Thus far, 142 countries have done so, though both the US and Israel remain firmly opposed.
Macron emphasized that the immediate priority must be halting the conflict in Gaza and protecting civilian lives. He also sent a message to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, stressing the importance of a two-state solution: “Israelis and Palestinians must be able to coexist in peace and security. This is the only path forward that honors the legitimate rights of both peoples and must be urgently pursued.”
Palestinian Authority Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh welcomed the development, expressing gratitude toward the French president for his support.
Macron concluded by affirming that the forthcoming UN conference—co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia—will aim to revive and implement the two-state solution, which he called “the only viable political resolution that can prevent further bloodshed and allow all nations in the region, including Israel, to live in peace.”
