Rubio calls France to strongly oppose recognition of Palestine

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
2 Sep 2025 22:37
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told France’s foreign minister that Washington opposes any unilateral recognition of Palestine, claiming it would reward Hamas and stall captive negotiations.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks at the Lech Walesa Solidarity Prize Awards ceremony, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Coral Gables, Fla. (AP)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to express Washington’s strong opposition to recognizing the State of Palestine, according to a statement released by the US Department of State on Tuesday.

“The Secretary conveyed the United States’ strong opposition to any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian State, a move that would reward Hamas for October 7 and hinder efforts to bring all hostages home,” read the statement by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

The two also discussed regional developments in Iran, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while agreeing to continue cooperation on resolving the Russia–Ukraine conflict through diplomatic channels.

French President Emmanuel Macron, however, insisted that "Israel’s" expanded offensive in Gaza or any attempt to annex Palestinian territory would not stop the growing momentum toward Palestinian statehood.

France, alongside Belgium and other nations, plans to formally recognize Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. “No offensive, annexation attempt, or forced displacement of populations will derail the momentum,” Macron said on X after speaking with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

He also criticized Washington’s decision to deny visas to Palestinian Authority officials as “unacceptable,” urging that Palestinian representation be guaranteed in line with the UN Host Country Agreement.

A growing wave of countries is reshaping the global stance on #Palestine, especially amid "Israel's" war on Gaza. Out of 193 #UN member states, 147 already recognize it as a state, and now, major US allies are joining in.#France will recognize it in September, while Britain and… pic.twitter.com/C5z6nnp3W2
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 13, 2025

US in opposition, as always

The conversation comes amid growing momentum across Europe in support of Palestinian statehood. France is expected to formally recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, following a statement by French President Emmanuel Macron in July.

Between July 28–30, a high-level UN conference on Palestine was held in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. Afterward, the French Foreign Ministry issued a joint statement on behalf of 15 Western countries, calling for international recognition of Palestine.

While 147 countries already recognize the State of Palestine, support has grown significantly since 2024, with recent recognition coming from Ireland, Norway, Spain, Armenia, and others.

Despite global backing, the United States does not recognize Palestine and has repeatedly used its veto power to block Palestinian efforts for full membership at the United Nations. Additionally, it has rejected the United Nations conference on the two-state solution, labeling the initiative a “publicity stunt” that undermines ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza.

Tammy Bruce claimed that the conference would only serve to prolong the war, embolden Hamas, and derail what she described as genuine efforts toward peace in the region.

'Israel' begins attacks

Meanwhile, "Israel" has upped criticism of nations readying to recognize Palestine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Macron of fueling antisemitism in France and has vowed to take punitive measures against states planning to recognize Palestine.

"Israel" is reportedly considering ending its security cooperation with the United Kingdom if London proceeds with recognizing a Palestinian state in September, according to unnamed diplomatic sources cited by The Times.

After Canberra recognized Palestine as an independent state, Australian diplomats working in the occupied West Bank have had their visas revoked, and an Israeli lawmaker was denied entry into Australia.

Netanyahu has personally attacked Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, calling him “weak” and accusing him of "betraying Israel".

In a recent interview with Sky News Australia, Netanyahu said, "I'm sure he has a reputable record as a public servant, but I think his record is forever tarnished by the weakness that he showed in the face of these Hamas terrorist monsters."