President Macron Affirms Israel Will Not Thwart France's Recognition Of The Palestinian State

President Macron. (Source: Kremlin.ru)

JAKARTA - President Emmanuel Macron said France would continue its Palestinian recognition later this month despite Israel's "exemption" plan, after speaking with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

"There is no offensive, annexation, or forced transfer of residents that will thwart the momentum we have created with the Crown Prince the momentum that has been followed by many partners," President Macron wrote on X, as quoted by The National September 4.

Earlier this week, Belgium became the latest country to announce it would join France in recognizing the Palestinian state on September 22 at a high-level conference chaired with Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York this month.

Previously, Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Malta had stated that they would do the same, although some countries have linked the recognition to a number of conditions. Britain will continue to advance unless Israel approves a series of demands, including a ceasefire in Gaza. Belgium will formalize recognition only after Hamas is demilitarized.

Israel itself is trying to thwart France's diplomatic efforts by making conditions on the ground inconsistent with the creation of a Palestinian state. This week, Israeli troops began to call on reserve forces before launching an attack to seize Gaza City.

In July, the Israeli cabinet approved a symbolic motion to annex the occupied West Bank. Last month, a Defense Ministry committee approved a settlement plan near East Jerusalem known as E1, which would undermine plans to form an adjacent Palestinian state.

This preparation comes as reports show the United States Government has launched plans to relocate a population of Gaza of two million to neighboring countries to build a Middle East "riviera" backed by President Donald Trump.

This vision is in line with the right-wing Israeli group, but was rejected by Israeli allies in Europe and Arab countries.

Despite this setback, President Macron said France and Saudi Arabia would continue to "raising the widest possible international support for a two-state solution" the only way to fulfill the legitimate aspirations of both the Israeli and Palestinian people".

President Macron has framed recognition as an important step towards peace in the region.

"This will require the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the delivery of large-scale humanitarian aid to the Gaza people, and the deployment of stabilization missions in Gaza," he explained.

Together with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the President of France is also working on dismantling Hamas weapons and strengthening the Palestinian Authority, to hold a new round of Palestinian elections.