The Trump administration has firmly dismissed international attempts to compel Israel to recognize a Palestinian state, stating that the State Department will not “engage in this insult.” Instead, they are advocating for a resolution focused on a dual-state framework during a gathering of over 100 nations at the United Nations in New York.
In a pointed statement, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce sharply criticized the collaborative event hosted by France and Saudi Arabia.
“This week, the United Nations is organizing a largely ineffective conference on two-state solutions in New York City,” Bruce noted. “It’s nothing but a propaganda event that coincides with delicate diplomatic negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict.”
“Rather than fostering peace, the conference will prolong the conflict, empower Hamas, and detract from genuine efforts to establish peace,” Bruce asserted.
Bruce added further, “As Secretary Rubio pointed out, this initiative disregards the victims and effectively rewards the assault perpetrated on October 7th. Hostages remain at risk. The United States will refuse to partake in this affront but will maintain its commitment to legitimate efforts aimed at ending the violence.”
A representative from the State Department also commented on Macron’s recent announcement regarding the acknowledgment of a Palestinian state. “President Macron’s recognition was well-received by Hamas,” Bruce remarked.
“This signals a repetitive pattern of counterproductive actions that significantly undermine diplomatic efforts to isolate Hamas, promote peace, alleviate suffering in Gaza, secure the release of hostages, and guide the region towards a more hopeful future.”
Both the US and Israel opted out of Monday’s meeting, which brought together representatives from more than 100 nations at the UN headquarters in New York.
French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barott opened the meeting with a strong statement asserting that “there is no alternative” to the two-state strategy. “Only two political entities can satisfy the legitimate desires for peace and security of both Israelis and Palestinians. There is simply no other option,” Barot expressed.
This French stance follows President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement in September about officially recognizing the Palestinian state.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa took the opportunity to call for immediate global action. “Every state bears the responsibility to act now,” he stressed, urging for international assistance to help establish the Palestinian state.
Hamas responded positively to Macron’s recent declaration, describing the planned recognition as “a significant step forward in achieving justice for the Palestinian people and their rightful claim to self-determination, with an independent state including Jerusalem as its capital.”
Hamas further characterized Macron’s decision as “a political move that enhances global awareness regarding justice for the Palestinian cause.”
Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, rejected the conference, stating, “This gathering does not facilitate a solution; it will only deepen existing illusions.”
Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Jalib Levin criticized Macron’s endorsement, you know, referring to it as “a stain on French history and direct support for terrorism.” Levin stated, “The land of Israel rightfully belongs to its people; President Macron’s proclamations won’t alter that.”
Former President Donald Trump offered a somewhat ambivalent view on Macron’s Palestinian policy. “Look, he’s a different kind of guy,” Trump remarked recently. “He’s alright. He plays well with the team. But, ultimately, it won’t change much.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the US “strongly opposes” Macron’s initiative, labeling it a “reckless choice” that acts as “a slap in the face” to victims of the October 7 Hamas attack.
The French declaration came shortly after the US reported its withdrawal from UNESCO, which was partly motivated by that organization’s recognition of a Palestinian state ahead of achieving peace.
Dutch right-wing leader Geert Wilders publicly criticized Macron’s actions on social media, sarcastically suggesting that southern France could be designated as a new Palestinian state, which garnered over 5 million views.
Wilders also remarked in another post, “France will reward Hamas for the October 7 massacre simply by recognizing a ‘Palestinian state.’ The Netherlands should never do so.”
France is hopeful that the UK will follow suit in recognizing the Palestinian state, with more than 200 British MPs expressing their support. However, Prime Minister Kiel Starmer contended that recognition should be part of a comprehensive strategy.
The State Department asserts that recognizing a Palestinian state under the current circumstances endangers ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at halting terrorism and fostering enduring peace in the region.
