US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has strongly condemned France’s announcement to officially recognize the state of Palestine, describing it as a provocative decision. In a post on X, Rubio stated that the move is a “slap in the face to the victims of the October 7 attack.”
Rubio’s Strong Stance
“The United States strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the @UN General Assembly. This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th,” Rubio wrote.
The United States strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the @UN general assembly.
This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 25, 2025
French President Emmanuel Macron revealed on Thursday that France plans to recognize Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, framing the decision as a step toward peace in the Middle East.
Israel’s Reaction
Israel has vehemently opposed France’s decision, accusing the nation of “rewarding terror” and strengthening the agenda of Palestinian militant group Hamas.
“Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quoted as saying by AFP.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also expressed his discontent on X, stating, “A Palestinian state will be a Hamas state, just as the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip twenty years ago led to Hamas taking control of it. President Macron cannot provide security for Israel. Let’s hope he succeeds in doing so on the streets of Paris. Israel’s attempt to base its security on Palestinian promises to fight terror completely failed in the Oslo process.”
France’s Intentions
In a message shared on X, Macron articulated that France’s recognition of Palestine aims to contribute to ending the war in Gaza and rescuing the civilian population. “We must finally build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and enable it, by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East,” the French president stated.
Macron’s announcement follows calls from nearly 30 countries and major Israeli allies for an end to the war in Gaza, condemning both Israeli actions and the blocking of humanitarian aid.
