US ‘strongly rejects’ France's plan to recognise Palestine as a state: ‘Reckless decision serves Hamas propaganda’

The United States has strongly condemned France’s plan to formally recognise Palestine as a state, calling it a “reckless decision” that it says “serves Hamas propaganda”.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that France will officially recognise a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly in September.

“The United States strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron ’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the @UN general assembly,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th,” he added.

According to an AFP tally, the latest developments bring the total number of countries that recognise or intend to recognise Palestinian statehood to at least 142, despite strong opposition from Israel and the United States.

If it proceeds, France would become the most influential European nation—and the first among the G7 group of wealthy democracies to formally recognise a Palestinian state.