French President Emmanuel Macron is the latest European leader to say that he is considering recognizing an independent Palestinian State. This comes after Norway, Spain and Ireland all extended such official recognitions on Tuesday.
Emmanuel Macron, during a visit to Germany, said, “I am totally prepared to recognize a Palestinian state but this recognition must come at a useful moment.”
However, the French President also made it clear that he will not rush into making any decisions, nor be swayed by the emotions of the moment.
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“I will not do a recognition based on emotion,” said Macron.
Some observers took this to mean that Emmanuel Macron will not make any such decision on the matter because of Israel’s ongoing Iron Swords War in Gaza. It could also mean that he, personally, will not be swayed by the current conflict, nor would he make such a move only because of the scenes of destruction in Gaza.
Meanwhile, President Macron is calling for an end to the fighting saying in a press conference unequivocally, “Israeli operations must stop in Rafah.”
“These operations must stop,” he added. “There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians. I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire.”
The Israeli military is currently engaged in a controversial operation in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city. Last week the International Criminal Court ordered Israel to cease its attack there and even the American government has been critical.
On Tuesday, Emanuel Macron also revealed that France is working with the government of Algeria to promote a cease fire in Gaza.
“We are ready to actively work at a peaceful solution, it’s reachable with political will,” said Emmanuel Macron, adding that French diplomats will work in the “coming hours and days” at getting the various parties as well as “all our partners” to agree to a cease fire deal.
The conflict in Gaza began after Hamas terrorists, on October 7 202, attacked Israel and killed more than 12,000 people. They also took hundreds of hostages back to Gaza, of whom more than 100 remain in captivity. Israel responded by invading Gaza and its government says the fighting will not end until all of the remaining hostages are freed and Hamas is destroyed.