National Herald, May 28, 2025
“We must move from words to deeds. Faced with facts on the ground, the prospect of a Palestinian state must be maintained. Irreversible and concrete measures are necessary.”
President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly considering the formal recognition of a Palestinian state, a move that, while symbolically potent, is viewed by diplomats and analysts as potentially premature and ineffective in compelling Israel to advance peace negotiations with the Palestinians, as per a Reuters report.
Such a decision, they argue, risks exacerbating divisions within the Western bloc — particularly within the already fragmented European Union — and could strain France’s relationship with the United States, Israel’s most steadfast ally. Experts suggest that unless accompanied by substantive measures such as sanctions or trade restrictions, recognition may serve little purpose beyond symbolism.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Germany, another of Israel’s long-standing European allies, issued a pointed warning signalling potential punitive measures and affirming that Berlin would not permit arms exports in violation of international humanitarian law. The statement, delivered alongside Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s most forthright criticism of Israel to date regarding the Gaza conflict, is seen as marking a decisive shift in Germany’s stance on the war in Gaza.
French authorities are deliberating the initiative to recognise Palestine in the lead-up to a United Nations summit co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia from 17 to 20 June. The conference aims to establish a framework for a Palestinian state while safeguarding Israeli security. …SOURCE