Doctors Without Borders slams EU's 'hypocrisy' over Gaza
In a post on X, the group said it sent an open letter to EU leaders on June 16, urging immediate action to stop the mass atrocities unfolding in the Palestinian enclave.
'The EU can and must act now to...
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New Straits Times
25 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
US says it rejects Macron's plan to recognise a Palestinian state
WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that Washington rejected French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to recognise a Palestinian state, with the top American diplomat calling it a "reckless decision." Macron said on Thursday that France intends to recognise a Palestinian state in September at the United Nations General Assembly, adding that he hoped it would help bring peace to the Middle East. "This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace," Rubio said in a post on X. Washington's ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said in June he did not think an independent Palestinian state remained a US foreign policy goal.
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Macron says France will recognise Palestinian state, drawing Israeli ire
PARIS, July 25 — French President Emmanuel Macron said yesterday his country would formally recognise a Palestinian state during a UN meeting in September, the most powerful European nation to announce such a move. At least 142 countries now recognise or plan to recognise Palestinian statehood, according to an AFP tally—though Israel and the United States strongly oppose the move. Several countries have announced plans to recognise statehood for the Palestinians since Israel launched a bombardment of Gaza in 2023 in response to the October 7 attacks by Islamist militant group Hamas. Macron's announcement drew immediate anger from Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying it 'rewards terror' and poses an existential threat to Israel. Netanyahu said in a statement that the decision 'risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became', which would be 'a launch pad to annihilate Israel—not to live in peace beside it'. Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the move, saying it 'reflects France's commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people's rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state'. Hamas hailed Macron's pledge as a 'positive step in the right direction toward doing justice to our oppressed Palestinian people and supporting their legitimate right to self-determination'. 'We call on all countries of the world—especially European nations and those that have not yet recognised the State of Palestine—to follow France's lead,' it added. Urgent priority International concern is growing about the plight of the more than two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where the fighting has triggered a dire humanitarian crisis and warnings of mass starvation. Israel has rejected accusations it is responsible for Gaza's deepening hunger crisis, which the World Health Organization has called 'man-made' and France blamed on an Israeli 'blockade'. Macron said the 'urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and rescue the civilian population'. 'We must finally build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability and enable it, by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East,' he wrote on social media. On the streets of the occupied West Bank, Palestinians told AFP that they hoped other countries would now follow suit. Mahmoud al-Ifranji called France's pledge 'a moral commitment' and a 'political victory for the Palestinian people'. Another man, Nahed Abu Taima, said he hopes France's decision will help lead to peace. 'This recognition will lead to the recognition of Palestine by a number of countries in Europe and the world,' he added. Path to statehood Macron said he intended to make the announcement at the UN General Assembly in September. While France would be the most significant European power to recognise a Palestinian state, others have hinted they could do the same. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced he would hold a call on Friday with counterparts in Germany and France on efforts to stop the fighting, adding that a ceasefire would 'put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state'. Norway, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia all announced recognition following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, along with several other non-European countries. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, whose country already recognises Palestinian statehood, welcomed Macron's announcement. 'Together, we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution,' the Socialist leader, an outspoken critic of Israel's offensive in Gaza, wrote on X. Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry hailed Macron's announcement as 'historic' and urged other countries to follow suit. Ireland's Foreign Minister Simon Harris in a post on X called France's move 'the only lasting basis for peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike'. Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed 59,587 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. — AFP
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Palestinians welcome France's move to recognise State of Palestine
RAMALLAH: Palestinians have expressed strong support for France's decision to formally recognise a State of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly. The announcement by French President Emmanuel Macron has been met with optimism, with many hoping it will encourage other nations to follow suit. Hussein al-Sheikh, deputy to Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas, described the move as a reflection of France's commitment to international law. 'This decision supports the Palestinian people's rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state,' he said. On the streets of Ramallah, residents shared their reactions with AFP. Mahmoud al-Ifranji called France's pledge 'a moral commitment' and a 'political victory for the Palestinian people.' Another local, Nahed Abu Taima, expressed gratitude, saying, 'We are very grateful for this French position,' while hoping it could contribute to peace amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Some Palestinians, however, urged stronger action. Mu'in Barghouti acknowledged the recognition but questioned whether France would take further steps. 'We respect any country that respects our right to establish our state. But will there be practical measures to back this recognition?' he asked. Others suggested that France should impose sanctions on Israel over its occupation of the West Bank. The move has sparked discussions on whether more European nations will now reconsider their stance on Palestinian statehood. - AFP
