Macron Rebukes Israeli Threats,Announces Joint Peace Conference with Saudi Arabia
Paris/Tel Aviv: French President Emmanuel Macron issued a strong response to Israeli warnings, declaring that France will not be pressured into abandoning its recognition of a Palestinian state. “Israel lacks the courage to pressure France. It cannot prevent us from recognizing Palestine,” Macron said, criticizing Israel for its ongoing aggression in Gaza and expansion of…
Paris/Tel Aviv: French President Emmanuel Macron issued a strong response to Israeli warnings, declaring that France will not be pressured into abandoning its recognition of a Palestinian state. “Israel lacks the courage to pressure France. It cannot prevent us from recognizing Palestine,” Macron said, criticizing Israel for its ongoing aggression in Gaza and expansion of settlements on Palestinian land.
Macron announced that France and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will co-chair a special Two-State Solution Conference on September 22 in New York, aimed at rallying broad international support for peace. He also condemned the U.S. decision to deny visas to Palestinian officials, calling it “unacceptable” and a violation of host country obligations, urging Washington to reverse its decision.
The French leader outlined key objectives, including a permanent ceasefire, release of hostages, large-scale humanitarian aid for Gaza, deployment of a stabilization mission, disarmament of Hamas, empowerment of the Palestinian Authority through reforms, and Gaza’s full reconstruction. Macron stressed that “no aggressive actions, annexation attempts, or forced displacements will halt this effort.”
European Reactions:
Belgium reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and signaled its intent to join France and Saudi Arabia in the New York Declaration, linking formal recognition of Palestine to the release of hostages and Hamas’ exclusion from governance.
Slovenia’s Prime Minister Robert Golob, in Ljubljana alongside European Council President António Costa, recalled his country’s early recognition of Palestine and defended sanctions imposed on Israel, saying Gaza’s suffering was “unacceptable and undermines the moral foundations of the EU.” He urged the global community to take concrete steps to end hostilities and alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof, in a phone call with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and significant humanitarian improvements in Gaza, warning that escalating Israeli attacks risk worsening an already catastrophic situation.
The diplomatic momentum reflects growing European impatience with Israel’s military actions and renewed efforts to push forward an internationally recognized two-state solution.
