Macron says recognition of Palestinian state is not taboo for France

French President Emmanuel Macron said recognizing a Palestinian state was not “taboo” for France amid growing international frustration over Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories.

France and the EU have long supported a two-state solution in the Middle East, but as part of a negotiated settlement. With negotiations stalled for a long time and Israel’s offensive against Hamas in Gaza deepening, some European countries have expressed support for early recognition of a Palestinian state.

“Recognizing a Palestinian state is not taboo for France,” Macron said during a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah in Paris on Friday. “We have a responsibility to the Palestinians, whose aspirations have been trampled upon for too long. We owe it to the Israelis, who have endured the worst anti-Semitic massacre of our time. We are seeking to transcend those who create chaos and spread propaganda The regions that sow the seeds of revenge are responsible.”

Macron did not elaborate on when or under what conditions France could recognize a Palestinian state, and it is unlikely that France would make such a decision unilaterally.

But France, as one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, has important diplomatic influence. Our partners in the region, especially Jordan, are working on this and we are working with them. We are ready to contribute to this in Europe and in the Security Council. ” Macron said.

He also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and warned that Israel’s offensive on the Egyptian border in Rafah would lead to an “unprecedented humanitarian disaster.”

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said earlier this month that Britain could formally recognize a Palestinian state following a ceasefire in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuses to recognize Palestinian statehood, and there have been no substantive negotiations on a two-state solution since 2009.

A move by some of Israel’s key allies to recognize a Palestinian state could put pressure on Israel to resume talks.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)