France Rebuts Marco Rubio’s Criticism Over Palestinian Statehood, Defends Peace Initiative

The French Foreign Ministry has directly responded to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s assertions that France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood undermined ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. A newly established X account, associated with the French Foreign Ministry, refuted Rubio’s claims, stating that the recognition of the State of Palestine did not cause the collapse of hostage negotiations. The post included a screenshot of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement regarding the breakdown of peace negotiations in Gaza, followed by a screenshot of French President Emmanuel Macron’s post on the recognition of a Palestinian state, highlighting the timeline of events. Macron emphasized the necessity of disarming Hamas and excluding it from governing the Gaza Strip. This exchange reflects escalating diplomatic tensions following Rubio’s condemnation of France’s move, which he previously labeled as ‘reckless.’ Rubio had criticized Macron’s initiative at the United Nations General Assembly, claiming it served Hamas’s propaganda and hindered peace efforts. He alleged that Hamas withdrew from peace talks immediately after France’s announcement, increasing demands and ceasing negotiations. Earlier, Macron had declared France’s official recognition of Palestinian statehood during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. Leaders from Australia, Canada, Portugal, and the United Kingdom are also expected to recognize the State of Palestine. Belgium has also called for recognition and ‘firm sanctions’ against the Israeli government. Macron also announced that France and Saudi Arabia would co-chair a conference on the Two-State Solution in New York on September 22 and called on the U.S. to reverse its decision to deny visas to Palestinian officials.