Macron warns against Rafah invasion, endorses Palestinian state
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In a joint press conference with the King of Jordan, Emmanuel Macron warned of the humanitarian disaster that would unfold in Rafah and revealed France would recognize a Palestinian state.
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French President Emmanuel Macron gestures as he waits for Jordan's King Abdullah II prior a working lunch, Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 in Paris (AP)
On Friday, French Presiden Emmanuel Macron addressed "Israel's" plan to invade Rafah, saying any Israeli military operation in Rafah would trigger an "unprecedented humanitarian disaster".
"An Israeli offensive in Rafah could only bring about an unprecedented humanitarian disaster and would be a turning point in this conflict," the president said in a joint presser with Jordan's King Abdullah II.
As the Rafah invasion would spark immeasurable escalations in the region, Macron stated that regional tensions must be contained and avoided, particularly in Lebanon and the Red Sea.
This comes as "Israel" launched an airstrike in the Lebanese southern city of Nabatiyeh, killing 11 civilians.
Macron also conveyed France's endorsement of an independent Palestinian state, saying it is not a taboo.
His last remarks came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's vehement rejection of a Palestinian state that would be internationally recognized.
Read more: UNHCR chief calls forced displacement from Rafah to Egypt 'a disaster'
Loss in, loss out
Axios reported on Thursday, citing two Israeli officials, that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told Secretary of State Tony Blinken a week ago that the recognition of Palestinian statehood would constitute "a prize" for those who orchestrated the October 7 operation.
During a private meeting with Blinken in occupied Al-Quds last week, Netanyahu expressed concern over potential US recognition of Palestine, the sources said, noting that such a move would be "an own goal" and could undermine efforts by the Biden administration to expand peace and normalization in the region.
"It will be a prize to the Palestinians for doing Oct. 7," Netanyahu told Blinken, per the Israeli officials.
The report underscores that such recognition could profoundly affect US foreign policy, which has historically relied on direct contact with Israeli leadership to support the establishment of a Palestinian sovereign state. The Israeli leadership is concerned that if this comes to fruition, it will face pressure to accept a Palestinian state.
Read more: US won't punish 'Israel' for Rafah op. that ignores civilian safety
