Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron's statement on the upcoming recognition of the state of Palestine, describing it as a “victory for the Palestinian cause“, Agence France-Presse reported, BTA reported.
“This reflects France's commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights to their homeland and land“, Abbas said.
France defended its decision to recognize the state of Palestine despite sharp criticism from Israel and the United States.
“Paris is not rewarding the Palestinian Islamist movement “Hamas“, on the contrary — proves it wrong“, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said today. “Hamas has always rejected the two-state solution. By recognizing Palestine, France is showing that this terrorist movement is wrong“, he added.
Israel has sharply criticized France's decision, saying it “rewards terrorists“ and puts “a black mark on French history“.
“Let us be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state next to Israel, but a state in place of Israel“, stressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The United States has also categorically rejected the French plan. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a "reckless decision" that "only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back the peace process."