Macron to Recognize Palestine, Ties Diplomatic Move to Hostage Release
Macron's planned recognition of Palestine hinges on hostage release, stirring domestic and international dialogues.
- • Macron announces France's recognition of Palestine on September 22
- • Hostage release by Hamas is required before establishing an embassy
- • France's move supported by nine countries at the UN
- • Macron facing backlash from some leaders in the Jewish community
Key details
French President Emmanuel Macron is poised to announce France's recognition of the State of Palestine on September 22, aligning with a push from 10 other countries during a United Nations summit in New York. In a statement to CBS, Macron has stipulated that the release of hostages held by Hamas is a prerequisite for establishing an embassy in Palestine, stating, "Their return is a clear condition before we open an embassy." This diplomatic maneuver, framed as a step towards advancing the two-state solution, comes amid frustration over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military policies, which Macron argues jeopardize peace solutions.
Macron's decision is not without controversy; some leaders within the French Jewish community criticize the recognition as a capitulation to terrorism, expressing concerns about potential fallout domestically. Highlighting this division, Macron has taken care to engage with Jewish intellectuals, most notably during a dinner at the Élysée Palace, which aimed to ease tensions while addressing the community’s sentiment against the recognition initiative.
Moreover, Macron's advocacy for Palestinian statehood seeks to restore France's pivotal role in international discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, drawing support from allies, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. This progression has been described as a significant diplomatic victory for Macron, as French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized the need for disarming Hamas, laying out a diplomatic roadmap in the Declaration of New York.
As Macron navigates these complex issues, he remains cognizant of criticism from both international and local perspectives, asserting that recognizing Palestine does not imply support for Hamas but recognizes the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. His approach echoes broader concerns about Israeli policies, noting how continued settlement expansions threaten long-term peace aspirations. Macron encapsulated this sentiment, warning, "By doing this, they simply kill any other perspective than war," thereby emphasizing the delicate balance he seeks to maintain amid rising tensions over his recognition of Palestine.