Rubio says French President Macron' plan to recognize Palestine as a state is a 'reckless decision'

"This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said

Published: July 25, 2025 12:14pm

Updated: July 25, 2025 12:18pm

Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for planning to recognize Palestine as a state.

“The United States strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the @UN general assembly,” Rubio posted on X on Thursday. “This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.”

Rubio was referring to the Oct. 7, 2023, deadly terror attack on Israel by Hamas – the terror group that effectively rules Gaza and is backed by Palestinians.

Earlier on Thursday, Macron posted on X, "True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine. I will make the solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September. The urgency today is to end the war in Gaza and to provide aid to the civilian population."

Palestine has been recognized as a state by 146 countries, but France will be the first member of the Group of Seven to do so, The Hill news outlet reported.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also criticized Macron's decision on Thursday, posting on X, "We strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the October 7 massacre. Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became.

"A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it. Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel."

Also on Thursday, ceasefire discussions between Israel and Hamas fell apart. President Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, said that Hamas lacks the “desire” to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

“We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza,” Witkoff said in a statement. “It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza.”