"Our partners in the region, especially Jordan, are working on this issue and we are working with them (to recognise a Palestinian state). We are ready to contribute to this in Europe and in the Security Council. Recognising a Palestinian state is not a taboo for France," Macron said at a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Paris.
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks while delivering a joint statement with Jordan's King Abdullah II at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 16, 2024. Photo: Reuters
Although France's unilateral recognition cannot change the situation on the ground without any formal negotiations, it still has diplomatic and symbolic significance.
"We owe it to the Palestinians, whose aspirations have been trampled for too long. We owe it to the Israelis who lived through the greatest anti-Semitic massacre of the century. We owe it to a region that yearns to be free from those who promote violence and revenge," Macron said.
President Macron's comments marked the first time a French leader has proposed recognizing a Palestinian state, and underscored Western leaders' impatience as casualties mount in Gaza amid Israeli retaliation following Hamas' October 7 attack.
Since 2014, French lawmakers have voted to call on the government to recognize Palestine, a symbolic move that has had little impact on France's diplomatic stance.
Mr Macron’s comments are believed to be aimed at putting more pressure on Israel. Mr Macron added that an Israeli attack on Rafah could lead to an unprecedented humanitarian disaster and would be a turning point in the conflict.
On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously spoken out against Palestinian sovereignty, saying he will not compromise on Israel's comprehensive security control in western Jordan, which is contrary to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
While most developing countries recognize Palestine as a state, most Western European countries do not and believe that an independent Palestinian state will only emerge after negotiations with Israel.
Earlier this month, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said Britain would consider recognising a Palestinian state, including at the United Nations.
Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)
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