US Rejects France's Recognition of Palestine as a State: 'Reckless Decision Serving Hamas'

In a notable development on the international scene, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced today, Friday, his country's firm rejection of French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to recognize a Palestinian state, describing the step as a 'reckless decision' that does not serve peace in the Middle East.

Rubio wrote in a post on the 'X' platform (formerly Twitter):

 'This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and hinders peace efforts'.

This US response comes after the French President revealed yesterday, Thursday, his intention to officially announce his country's recognition of a Palestinian state during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meetings in September.

In a message on both 'X' and 'Instagram' platforms, Macron said:

 'In fulfillment of its historical commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize a Palestinian state'.

Macron pointed out that the goal of this step is to stimulate the peaceful process, explaining that the urgent priority currently lies in stopping the war in Gaza and providing urgent humanitarian aid to the sector's residents.

He added:

'Peace is possible, and to achieve it, we need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the provision of extensive humanitarian aid, ensuring the disarmament of Hamas, securing the sector, and rebuilding it'.

Amid these developments, the British government faces increasing pressure, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer being urged to take similar steps by speeding up the recognition of a Palestinian state.

It is worth noting that these statements come at a highly sensitive time, amidst ongoing tensions in the Palestinian territories and escalating international calls for an end to the war and the start of a comprehensive peace process.