France to recognise Palestine by September, Israel labels it "aid to terrorism"

Israel has strongly condemned France’s recent announcement to formally recognise a Palestinian state.

Netanyahu called it an act that encourages terrorism and undermines peace in the region.

The backlash follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s declaration, made ahead of a United Nations meeting scheduled for September, that France would recognise Palestine as a sovereign state.

Israel's Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin sharply criticised the move, stating it is "a black mark on French history and a direct aid to terrorism." He further asserted, "The shameful decision" marked a turning point and signalled "time to apply Israeli sovereignty" over the West Bank, territory occupied by Israel since 1967.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed his disapproval, saying the recognition "rewards terror" and could turn the region into another "Iranian proxy", describing such developments as an existential threat to Israel.

The United States has echoed Israel’s concerns.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio slammed Macron’s decision as a "slap in the face to the victims of the October 7th attack" and described it as a "reckless decision (that) only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace."

France’s recognition makes it the most influential European nation to take this stance. It joins 142 countries that have already recognised or intend to recognise Palestinian statehood.

The move comes amid growing global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israel’s military operations have led to significant civilian casualties and widespread hunger. The World Health Organization (WHO) has described the situation as "man-made," a characterization France attributes to the ongoing Israeli blockade of Gaza.

Despite Israel denying responsibility for the humanitarian crisis, the decision by France has found support from several countries and international bodies.

Hamas welcomed Macron’s pledge, calling it a "positive step in the right direction toward doing justice to our oppressed Palestinian people." They urged other nations, particularly European ones, to follow France’s lead.

Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh also praised the move, stating it "reflects France's commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people's rights to self-determination."

Macron defended his decision by stating that the "urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and rescue the civilian population." He added that the recognition of Palestine should go hand in hand with ensuring Israel’s security and the demilitarisation of the Palestinian state.

Several other European nations have taken similar steps.

Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Slovenia have formally recognised Palestinian statehood since the conflict in Gaza escalated.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez welcomed Macron’s move and reiterated his support for a two-state solution. "Together, we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution," he posted on X.

Ireland's Foreign Minister Simon Harris called the move "the only lasting basis for peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike."

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry praised the decision as “historic” and urged other countries to follow suit.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, the Israeli military campaign has killed over 59,500 Palestinians, mostly civilians. In contrast, the Hamas-led October 2023 attack on Israel left 1,219 people dead, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.