France to Recognize Palestinian State, Angering Israeli Regime – World news

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France will formally recognize a Palestinian state during the upcoming UN General Assembly session in September.

In a statement issued Thursday, Netanyahu claimed Macron’s move amounts to “rewarding terror,” referencing the October 7 Hamas-led attack.

“I strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the October 7 massacre,” Netanyahu claimed.

“A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it,” Netanyahu said.

He added: “Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel.”

Israeli Minister Yariv Levin called Macron’s decision “a disgrace in French history” and demanded immediate annexation of the occupied West Bank.

“Now is the time to apply sovereignty to Judea and Samaria,” Levin said, referring to the biblical names used by Israeli nationalists for the West Bank.

War Minister Israel Katz also condemned the French move, saying Macron was “weakening Israel at a critical moment.”

“We will never allow the creation of a Palestinian entity that threatens our existence,” Katz said.

The Yesha Council, which represents Israeli settlers in the West Bank, urged immediate extension of Israeli sovereignty over the territory.

Despite Israeli objections, Macron stood by his decision.

“In line with our historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,” he stated.

To date, 149 of 193 UN member states officially recognize Palestine.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“Israel’s control of aid distribution must be replaced by comprehensive provision of humanitarian assistance led by international organizations,” Carney said on X.

He noted that aid funded by Canada has been blocked from reaching starving civilians.

Carney condemned Israel for violating international law through its ongoing siege and urged a negotiated ceasefire.

He called on Hamas to release all hostages, while also demanding that Israel respect the territorial boundaries of Gaza and the West Bank.

“Canada supports a two-state solution which guarantees peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians,” Carney said.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is expected to attend the UN High-Level Conference on a Two-State Solution in New York next week.

Israel’s blockade of Gaza has drawn growing international criticism, with aid groups warning of mass starvation and disease amid continued Israeli restrictions.