French President Emmanuel Macron has sharpened his criticism of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, arguing that the recognition of a Palestinian state would be the most effective way to isolate Hamas.
In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, Macron said that acknowledging Palestinian statehood was essential to separating the wider Palestinian cause from Hamas’s militant activities.
“Recognising a Palestinian state is just deciding to say: ‘The legitimate perspective of the Palestinian people and what they suffer today has nothing to do with Hamas,’” Macron explained, speaking in English. He added, “Recognition of a Palestinian state is the best way to isolate Hamas.”
Macron also condemned the scale of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, describing the devastation as deeply concerning. His remarks signal France’s continued push for a political solution to the conflict, while reinforcing his stance that the humanitarian crisis cannot be overlooked.
France and Britain are among several Western nations preparing to formally recognise a Palestinian state during this month’s United Nations General Assembly. The move is seen as a significant diplomatic shift, one that could reshape international dialogue around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Macron’s comments reflect growing frustration within Europe over the lack of progress toward a two-state solution, as well as mounting concerns about the humanitarian cost of the war in Gaza. By linking recognition directly to isolating Hamas, the French leader has added momentum to the international debate over Palestinian sovereignty.
Discover more from Scoop Hub
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.