Macron Supports Palestinian Statehood as a Strategy Against Hamas

Reported by CBS News

French President Emmanuel Macron has responded to criticism from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio over France's move to officially recognize a Palestinian state. Macron emphasized to CBS News that such recognition is crucial to counter Hamas effectively.

Macron intends to finalize this decision at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York, a move that potentially strains France-U.S. relations, as the United States does not support the recognition of a Palestinian state.

In response to Rubio's accusation of the decision being "reckless", made back in July when Macron first announced it, the French leader argued the term was an overreaction. Rubio had claimed that the decision feeds into Hamas's narrative and hinders peace efforts.

During a dialogue with Margaret Brennan, the host of 'Face the Nation', in Paris, Macron challenged Rubio's viewpoint, saying, "Labeling it as reckless misses the point. Hamas aims not for statehood but for the destruction of Israel, persuading many that peace and stability are unattainable."

"To dismantle the influence of Hamas, formal recognition of a Palestinian state and a comprehensive peace plan are essential," Macron declared, explaining that only by isolating Hamas can there be a cessation of war and violence.

Many of the United States' close partners, along with several European nations, have also signaled their intention to endorse Palestinian statehood in recent months.