Rubio Criticizes Macron’s Plan for Palestinian State Recognition

Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for suggesting that recognizing a Palestinian state could help advance peace talks between Palestinian groups and Israel.

Rubio stated that the U.S. firmly opposes Macron’s proposal to back Palestinian statehood at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. He termed the plan “reckless,” suggesting it would only benefit Hamas’s propaganda efforts and undermine efforts for peace, calling it “a slap in the face of the victims from October 7th.”

Macron defended his approach, saying it aligns with the goal of achieving a “just and lasting peace” in the Middle East. He plans to formally announce this initiative before the UN General Assembly in September.

“We want peace in the Middle East,” Macron said. “It is our duty to demonstrate to French citizens, as well as Israelis, Palestinians, and our international partners, that peace is achievable.”

As of now, 146 countries have recognized Palestine as a state, with France being the first among the G7 nations to do so.

Macron made his announcement the same day that negotiations between Israel and Hamas, both classified as terrorist organizations by the U.S., stalled due to disputes over ceasefires and the release of hostages. Steve Witkov, who served as President Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, criticized Hamas for lacking any genuine interest in reaching a ceasefire in Gaza.

“We are exploring other avenues to bring hostages back and create a more stable environment for Gaza’s residents,” Witkov remarked. “It’s unfortunate that Hamas acted so selfishly. We are committed to ending this conflict and achieving lasting peace in Gaza.”

In conjunction with his announcement, Macron called for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict-ridden enclave, indicating that all hostages held by Hamas have been released and that humanitarian aid would be increased.

Israel has expressed strong opposition to any international recognition of a Palestinian state, particularly in forums like the United Nations.

Macron claimed to have secured a commitment from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, which enabled his announcement, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his disapproval.

Netanyahu argued that such a move would encourage instability and risk the emergence of another Iranian proxy in the region, much like the situation in Gaza.