Doha: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, Yemen, and Palestine expressed support for French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement of France's intention to recognize the State of Palestine.
According to Anadolu Agency, the recognition was announced during the annual gathering of world leaders in New York, marking France as the first G7 member to take this step.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry issued a statement highlighting the announcement as a significant move supporting the Palestinian people's rights and aligning with international consensus on ending occupation. Doha described this decision as a positive development in line with international legitimacy and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry echoed this sentiment, commending the move as a historic decision that reinforces the international community's consensus on the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. Riyadh urged other countries to adopt similar positions in support of peace and the Palestinian people's legitimate rights.
Egypt's Foreign Ministry also welcomed Macron's declaration, labeling it a historic and pivotal step that reinforces efforts toward establishing an independent Palestinian state. The ministry expressed appreciation for Macron's announcement and called on other nations to recognize the State of Palestine.
Jordan's Foreign Ministry praised the decision as crucial for confronting efforts to deny the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. Ministry spokesperson Sufyan Qudah noted that Macron's declaration aligns with international efforts to recognize a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Sultanate of Oman expressed appreciation for Macron's historic announcement, calling on countries yet to recognize the State of Palestine to follow suit. Oman's Foreign Ministry emphasized that such recognition would contribute to a fair resolution of the Palestinian issue.
Kuwait's Foreign Ministry expressed similar sentiments, appreciating Macron's decision for its alignment with UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. Kuwait urged other countries to take similar steps towards a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause.
The Yemeni Foreign Ministry described Macron's announcement as a courageous stance reflecting France's commitment to international legitimacy. It noted the move represents a genuine will to revive hope for establishing an independent Palestinian state.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry hailed Macron's announcement as historic, reflecting a commitment to international law and a two-state solution based on United Nations resolutions. The ministry urged countries to recognize the State of Palestine and participate in upcoming UN conferences to protect the two-state solution.
Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi also welcomed Macron's announcement, emphasizing France's commitment to justice and international legality. Albudaiwi called on nations to take this step to alleviate Palestinian suffering and strengthen the path towards just and lasting peace.
France's recognition comes amid an ongoing brutal offensive by Israel on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in severe casualties and infrastructure devastation, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.