AssetID: 55115417
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Macron Defends France's Recognition of Palestinian Statehood as Path to Peace
Caption: Macron defends France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood as path to peace. French President Emmanuel Macron defended his decision to recognize Palestine, saying it is the only way to create a political solution to the Israel-Hamas war. Speaking on CBS’ Face the Nation, Macron said recognition was needed to preserve “peace and security for all in the region.” France became the first major Western power to extend recognition, ahead of Canada, Britain and Australia, which followed over the weekend. Macron rejected U.S. criticism, calling it “excessive,” and argued Palestinians must be offered a political perspective to avoid being pushed toward Hamas. He stressed that France’s relationship with Washington remains strong, and that his focus is a “full-fledged peace and security plan for all.” Macron warned that killing Hamas fighters alone cannot resolve the conflict, noting Israel has killed thousands but the group continues to replenish its ranks. France’s recognition forms part of a three-step plan: recognition of Palestine, a ceasefire with hostage releases, and a two-state framework. “Hamas is obsessed with destroying Israel,” Macron said, “but many Palestinians legitimately want a state, a nation — and we should not deny them that right.” The U.S. continues to back Israel, while Trump has emphasized the release of hostages as central to any peace effort. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Emmanuel Macron,France,Palestinian statehood,Israel,Hamas,Face the Nation,Margaret Brennan,Marco Rubio,ceasefire,hostages
PersonInImage: