Macron: France open to acknowledging Palestinian statehood

President Emmanuel Macron emphasized on Friday that France is open to the idea of recognizing a Palestinian state, marking his first statement on the subject since the Gaza conflict began. During a press conference in Paris alongside King Abdullah II of Jordan, Macron made it clear that the notion of recognizing Palestine is not off-limits for France. This statement followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s dismissal of a proposal for international acknowledgment of a Palestinian state, a plan that was reportedly in development by the Biden administration and a select group of Arab countries for a lasting peace solution between Israel and the Palestinians, according to The Washington Post.

Furthermore, Macron voiced concerns about the potential catastrophic humanitarian impact of an Israeli military action in Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, warning that such an offensive could mark a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict.

The discussion comes in the backdrop of a devastating war that erupted on October 7, following an attack by Hamas that led to significant casualties in Israel, with around 1,160 people, predominantly civilians, losing their lives based on figures provided by Israeli authorities. Additionally, the conflict has resulted in the capture of approximately 250 individuals, with a substantial number still held in Gaza.

The assault by Israel on Gaza has resulted in over 28,775 deaths, mainly among women and children, as reported by the health ministry in Gaza. Macron also expressed apprehension regarding potential mass displacements, echoing concerns from Jordan and Egypt, particularly in light of Netanyahu’s determination to advance into Rafah to secure a “complete victory” over Hamas. Such actions, Macron warned, could lead to significant violations of international law and escalate tensions in the region.

Reports from The Wall Street Journal indicate that Egypt is preparing a walled camp in the Sinai Peninsula for Palestinians potentially displaced from Gaza, a move scrutinized by human rights organizations and the United Nations, which advises against a mass exodus of Gazans into Egypt.

Macron’s discussions with Netanyahu stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire to halt the intolerable loss of life in Gaza and to ensure the delivery of emergency aid, advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state as a pathway to peace.