France to recognize the Palestinian state, but Germany and Italy do not say yet

President Emanuel Macron will officially recognize the Palestinian state in New York on Monday, supported by several other European countries, describing the course of France as a “necessity”.

Having difficulty on the heels of a decision of the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, Macron said his move would be “the beginning of the political process and a plan for peace and security for all.”

France, like the United Kingdom, carries a significant diplomatic burden as a permanent member of the UN and G7 Security Council and coordinates pressure with Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly this week.

Paris will not join two of the other major European countries in G7, Germany and Italy, not the United States.

Israel denied this move as a Hamas Award, and his UN ambassador called the event on Monday as a circus.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that there would be no Palestinian state west of the Jordan River, and President Isaac Duke said that the recognition of a man would only “strengthen the forces of darkness.”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Baro was adamant that his country’s move was “categorical rejection” of Hamas, but said it was “symbolic, immediate and political, demonstrating France’s commitment to the decision of two countries.”

Read more: Britain says Israel should not take revenge on the impetus of statehood

What does the recognition of a Palestinian state mean?

Baro talks about Macron’s declaration as a “great diplomatic victory for our country”. Paris said Belgium, Luxembourg and Malta are also ready to announce official recognition, along with the small states of Andorra and San Marino. Portugal made its own declaration late on Sunday.

A number of other European countries have already recognized a Palestinian country, including Spain and Norway last year, but Macron’s move is seen as a gambling by some domestic commentators, which may make a slight difference on Earth.

Prior to Macron’s announcement, the Palestinian and Israeli flags were shown on the Eiffel Tower on Sunday night. A number of mayoralties in France also flew in Palestinian flags on Monday, despite the government order of local prefects to maintain neutrality.

Protestant protests have also been held in Italy, in about 80 cities and cities in Italy, where the Georgy Meloni government has said it can recently be a “counterproductive” to recognize a country that does not exist.

Public transport and ports were violated on a day of action organized by some unions. Milan’s main line was closed while students in Turin and Bologna blocked access to the best lecture halls.

In Germany, the government says Palestinian statehood is not currently in debate, and Foreign Minister Johan Wadeful explained as he left for New York on Monday that “for Germany, the recognition of a Palestinian state is coming more at the end of the trial. But this process must begin now.”

Although Germany is one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe, its Chancellor Friedrich Merz is becoming increasingly critical of Israel’s military response in Gaza.

In recent weeks, EU officials have also strengthened their language against Israel. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for termination last week of “horrifying events that take place in Gaza on a daily basis”.

In an interview with CBS News late on Sunday, President Macron spoke about a gradual plan that will target Hamas isolation.

The first stage will involve the cessation of the fire, the release of all the hostages and then the stabilization of the gas, he explained. The second will include the management and reconstruction of the gas and the “third package, the prospect of two countries”.

The opening of a French embassy would be conditional when the hostages release, still held by Hamas, he stressed.

But Macron’s high move in the United Nations has been criticized by some of his political opponents.

Jordan Bardela of the far-right national rally said it was “a mistake while Hamas still holds Israeli hostage” and he said it was “a reward of the atrocities made on October 7 (2023) during the deadliest attack ever known by the Israeli.”