Latest news with #October7th


Middle East Eye
4 days ago
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Exclusive: Lammy suggests UK decision on Palestinian state likely in autumn
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has suggested that British policy on recognising a Palestinian state will be decided in the autumn, Foreign Office sources have told Middle East Eye. Lammy's remarks appeared to suggest the UK may be aligning its timetable with France, after President Emmanuel Macron said Paris would recognise a Palestinian state at the UN in September. A UK minister told the Financial Times on Friday: 'It's very likely now that we will do the same thing. That is where we are heading.' Two Foreign Office sources told MEE that in a meeting with civil servants on Wednesday, Lammy remarked he had 'a feeling that in the autumn, this debate will settle in a particular place'. They added that the foreign secretary also noted he was not the sole decision-maker in UK government on the topic. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Senior Labour figures told the FT that Prime Minister Keir Starmer was blocking UK recognition of Palestine in order to maintain close ties with the US which has put pressure on the London and Paris to drop recognition plans. American officials quickly rejected Macron's announcement on Thursday, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling the decision "reckless" and saying it only served Hamas propaganda and set back peace. Exclusive: US warns UK and France not to recognise Palestinian state Read More » "It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th," he posted on X. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting for the UK to recognise a Palestinian state, with over 100 MPs reportedly signing a cross-party letter, organised by Labour MP and International Development Committee chair Sarah Champion, on Friday demanding that Starmer make the move. In a report released on Friday, the UK's Foreign Affairs Committee also urged the government to immediately recognise a Palestinian state "while there is still a state to recognise". Committee chair Emily Thornberry told MEE that she would like to see the UK recognise Palestine alongside France. Even if the move may be 'only symbolic' in some ways, she said she believed it is an important first step to getting the UK 'back into the ring and saying: 'Right, let's play our part.'' 'It has a power because they were the countries behind Sykes-Picot, the secret agreement that carved up the Middle East in the first place," Thornberry said. MEE has asked the Foreign Office for comment.


L'Orient-Le Jour
4 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
World reacts to France's move to recognize State of Palestine
France will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly in September, President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday. The moves takes to at least 142 the number of countries that now recognize or plan to recognize Palestinian statehood, according to an AFP tally, defying strong opposition from Israel and the United States. France would become the most significant European power to recognize a Palestinian state, and the first among the G7 wealthy democracies to do so. Here is how countries are reacting: United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded angrily to Macron's announcement, calling it a "reckless decision". "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 on X, alluding to the Hamas attack on Israel in 2023 that triggered the war in Gaza. Israel Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move "rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became." "A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it," he said. Spain Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, whose country already recognizes Palestinian statehood, welcomed Macron's announcement. "Together, we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution," said the Socialist leader and outspoken critic of Israel's offensive in Gaza. Saudi Arabia The Saudi Foreign Ministry welcomed Macron's "historic decision". "The Kingdom reiterates its call for all countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to take similar positive steps and adopt serious positions that support peace and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people." Jordan Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation for Macron's decision. "This is a step in the right direction toward the realisation of the two-state solution and the end of the occupation," ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah said in a statement. Palestinian Authority 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 Palestinian militant group 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.


Newsweek
4 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Marco Rubio Responds to France Recognizing Palestinian State
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's move to recognize a Palestinian state. Rubio described the decision, which was announced on Thursday, as a "slap in the face" to victims of the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Newsweek contacted the offices of Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a response to the statement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is seen in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 10, 2025. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is seen in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 10, 2025. Getty Images The Context The war in Gaza began when the Palestinian Hamas movement launched a surprise attack against Israel on October 7, 2023. Macron's decision comes amid a wave of nations moving to recognize Palestinian statehood, bringing the number closer to the number of nations recognizing Israel. Of the 193 U.N. member states, approximately 147 currently recognize the State of Palestine, which was granted non-member observer status at the U.N. in 2012. Israel, which is a full member of the U.N., is currently recognized by around 165 U.N. member states. What To Know In a statement published on X, Rubio said that the White House would reject Macron's decision. "The United States strongly rejects Emmanuel Macron's plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly," Rubio said. "This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th." In Macron's statement announcing the decision, the French president said that "There is no alternative" to finding peace in the Middle East, and that it was the responsibility of other international leaders to follow suit. "We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza," Macron said. "And finally, we must build the State of Palestine, guarantee its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the region." In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement on Thursday, said: "We strongly condemn President Macron's decision to recognize a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the October 7 massacre. Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became. "A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it. Let's be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel." What People Are Saying In a statement shared with Newsweek, Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations said: "Neither international conferences disconnected from reality nor unilateral statements at the U.N. will lead to peace. "Macron's decision to recognize a Palestinian state after the massacre of October 7 and precisely at a time when Hamas is still holding hostages is a disgraceful reward for terrorism." What Happens Next As a major European power and a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, France's shift has the potential to spur further recognition of Palestinian statehood across Europe and beyond.


The Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Marco Rubio says France's recognition of Palestinian state is ‘slap in the face for 7 October victims'
The United States has condemned France's decision to formally recognise Palestine as an independent state, claiming it is 'serving Hamas propaganda'. French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that his country will recognise Palestine as a state in September at the United Nations General Assembly. The move has sparked anger from Washington and Israel. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States "strongly rejects (Macron's) plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN general assembly." In a post on X he said: "This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the decision by one of Israel's closest allies and a G7 member, saying such a move "rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy." In a diplomatic cable in June, the United States said it opposed steps to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state, arguing it could go against US foreign policy interests and draw consequences. Washington's ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said in June he did not think an independent Palestinian state remained a US foreign policy goal. President Donald Trump has himself expressed doubts about a two-state solution, proposing a US takeover of Gaza in February. The idea was condemned by rights groups, Arab states, Palestinians and the UN as a proposal of "ethnic cleansing". The US and Israel's refusal to recognise Palestine sets them at odds with many of their Western allies. Currently, 147 of the 193 member states of the United Nations recognise the state of Palestine. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK will recognise a Palestinian state once there is a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine. Canada has also pressed Israel to seek peace, with Prime Minister Mark Carney condemning its "failure to prevent the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza" and reiterating support for a two-state solution. Despite this, none of the G7 countries – the UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan – currently recognise a Palestinian state. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also condemned France's decision, describing the move as "a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism'. He added that Israel would not allow the establishment of a "Palestinian entity that would harm our security, endanger our existence." Thanking France, the Palestinian Authority 's Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh said on X that Mr Macron's decision reflected "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."


Nahar Net
4 days ago
- Politics
- Nahar Net
France to recognize State of Palestine in September
by Naharnet Newsdesk 25 July 2025, 11:44 France said on Friday that its plan to formally recognize a Palestinian state runs counter to the stance held by Palestinian militant group Hamas. "Hamas has always ruled out a two-state solution. By recognizing Palestine, France goes against that terrorist organization," Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on X, a day after President Emmanuel Macron said France would recognize Palestinian statehood in September. Hamas welcomed the president's announcement, calling it "a positive step in the right direction toward doing justice to our oppressed Palestinian people". Israel said that the move "rewards terror", while the U.S. called it "reckless". But Barrot said in his X message that France, with its decision, was "backing the side of peace against the side of war". Saudi Arabia hails 'historic' France recognition of Palestinian state Saudi Arabia on Friday hailed as "historic" French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France would recognize the state of Palestine, and urged other countries to follow suit. "The kingdom praises this historic decision, which reaffirms the international community's consensus on the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state," the Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement. US slams France's plans to recognize Palestinian state as 'reckless decision' U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday slammed President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September as a "reckless decision." "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 said on X, alluding to the Hamas attack on Israel in 2023 that triggered the war in Gaza. Hamas says French pledge to recognize State of Palestine 'positive step' Islamist militant group Hamas hailed France's pledge on Thursday to recognise a State of Palestine as a "positive step" and urged all countries to do the same despite Israeli opposition. "We consider this a positive step in the right direction toward doing justice to our oppressed Palestinian people and supporting their legitimate right to self-determination," Hamas said in a statement, after French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France would formally state its recognition in September. "We call on all countries of the world --especially European nations and those that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine -- to follow France's lead," Hamas added. Palestinian VP welcomes France's move Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas's deputy Hussein al-Sheikh on Thursday welcomed France's intent to recognize a State of Palestine, thanking President Emmanuel Macron. "This position 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," Sheikh said. Spanish PM welcomes French recognition of State of Palestine Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday welcomed France's decision to join Spain in recognizing the State of Palestine, saying it would "protect" a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "Together, we must protect what (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) 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. Israel says French recognition of State of Palestine 'rewards terror' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said France's decision to recognize a State of Palestine "rewards terror" and poses an existential threat to Israel. Netanyahu said in a statement that the move "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". "Let's be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel," he added.