Israel's Vice President and Minister of Justice, Yariv Levin, described it as 'direct aid to terrorism.'
The French president reiterated that there are no viable alternatives to the establishment of a lasting peace and reaffirmed the French people's desire to achieve stability in the area. "It is up to us, the French, together with Israelis, Palestinians, and our European and international partners, to demonstrate that this is possible," he concluded.
With this decision, France becomes the most influential nation in Europe to formally recognize the "Palestinian State," according to a survey conducted by the AFP agency.
France, which is home to both the largest Jewish community in Europe and the largest Muslim population in Western Europe, due to massive illegal immigration, often experiences internal repercussions in response to conflicts in the Middle East, manifested in violent riots and social tensions caused by undocumented Muslims, according to AFP.
In response to the French announcement, Israel's vice president and minister of justice, Yariv Levin, described it as a "black stain in France's history and a direct aid to terrorism." Levin stated that, in the face of this "shameful decision," the time has come "to exercise full Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank," a territory that has remained under Israeli control since 1967.
The president of France, Emmanuel Macron, announced that his country will proceed to officially recognize the terrorist state of Palestine, controlled by Hamas. According to a statement issued by the head of state, the formal announcement will take place during the next session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, scheduled for September.
Macron indicated that this decision is part of France's "historic commitment" to the pursuit of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East region. In his statement, he emphasized the urgency of stopping the war in Gaza and protecting the civilian population. "The urgent need today is to end the war in Gaza and rescue the civilian population," he stated,
Among the highlighted actions, he mentioned the implementation of an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to the inhabitants of Gaza. He also stressed the need to demilitarize the terrorist group Hamas and to guarantee both the security and reconstruction of the enclave.
Regarding the future of the "Palestinian State," Macron maintained: "We must build the state of Palestine, ensure its viability, and ensure that, by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of everyone in the Middle East."
