WASHINGTON D.C, July 25, 2025 – The United States has strongly condemned France’s proposal to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio issuing a sharp rebuke tonight. In a post on X, Rubio described the move as “reckless,” arguing that it serves Hamas propaganda and undermines peace efforts in the region.
The statement comes in response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s surprise announcement on Thursday, where he affirmed France’s intent to formally recognize Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly in September. Macron framed the decision as part of France’s “historical commitment to a just and durable peace in the Middle East,” a move that sets Paris apart from its traditional allies, including the U.S. and the United Kingdom.
Rubio’s post highlighted the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas-led groups, which resulted in significant casualties and have been classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity by Human Rights Watch. He called the French plan “a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th,” signaling a deepening rift between Washington and Paris on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The U.S. stance aligns with its long-standing policy of opposing unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, favoring a negotiated settlement through direct talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. This position has been reinforced amid heightened tensions, including Israel’s recent Operation Rising Lion, launched on June 12, 2025, targeting Iranian nuclear sites amid a multi-front war.
The announcement has already drawn varied reactions globally. The UN General Assembly granted additional rights to the State of Palestine in May 2024, including a seat among member states, though voting rights remain withheld. Meanwhile, historical efforts for peace, such as those following the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, have stalled, prompting increased Palestinian pushes for international recognition since 2011.
As the international community watches closely, the U.S. rejection could strain diplomatic relations with France, especially as the UN General Assembly approaches in September.