Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, has openly accused Emmanuel Macron of undermining the talks between Israel and Hamas. According to him, the French announcement in September recognizing the Palestinian State encourages the Islamist movement to reject an agreement.
A Game-Changing Declaration
On July 24, Emmanuel Macron confirmed on his X account that France would recognize Palestine. This will take place at the UN General Assembly. He presented this decision as "the only possible path towards a future where justice, security, and dignity are guaranteed for all peoples in the region" (see August 3 post on X). But he also set conditions: demilitarization of Hamas, exclusion from its governance, and recognition of Israel.
According to Marco Rubio, this announcement triggered a domino effect. Several countries, like the United Kingdom and Canada, have promised to follow the French example. This will happen if no ceasefire is reached before September. Australia and Portugal are considering the same position.
The U.S. Withdrawal from Negotiations
On the day of the French announcement, the United States withdrew from the ceasefire negotiations. According to the media outlet Politico, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff believed that Hamas was not negotiating in good faith. For Rubio, the Paris declaration was perceived by Hamas as a "reward" and a "symbolic victory."
He summarized his criticism as follows: "These messages, although largely symbolic, have made it more difficult to reach an agreement and establish peace."
A Tense Diplomatic Context
The current conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, after a coordinated attack by the Palestinian movement. The event prompted a major military response from Israel, particularly in the Gaza Strip. Since then, international mediation attempts have multiplied, often under the aegis of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
France, traditionally in favor of a two-state solution, had so far avoided unilateral recognition of Palestine. Macron’s initiative thus marks a diplomatic turning point. It is part of an international dynamic where several countries seek to exert political pressure to accelerate negotiations.
Who is Marco Rubio?
Born in 1971 in Miami, Marco Antonio Rubio is an American politician of Cuban descent. A member of the Republican Party, he has established himself as an influential figure in the U.S. Senate. He was then appointed Secretary of State by Donald Trump in January 2025. He is known for his conservative positions on societal issues and his strong support for Israel.
His career is marked by a rapid rise, starting as a local representative in Florida. He then led his 2016 presidential campaign. Although he did not win the Republican nomination against Trump, he consolidated his influence on the national stage.
A Transatlantic Rift on Palestine
Macron’s position illustrates a growing divergence between Paris and Washington on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. The United States, under the Trump administration, favors unwavering support for Israel and rejects any recognition of the Palestinian State outside of a negotiated agreement.
For France, recognition could serve as a political lever. For Washington, it undermines mediation efforts. This divergence could weigh on bilateral cooperation in other sensitive areas, such as Ukraine or Iran.
Towards a Turbulent Diplomatic Autumn
In September, the UN General Assembly will become the main arena for this debate. Countries in favor of recognizing Palestine hope to mobilize a significant diplomatic bloc. Opponents, led by the United States and Israel, will try to limit its impact.
Amid political maneuvers and persistent military tensions in Gaza, the prospect of a ceasefire remains distant. And the cross-statements of Macron and Rubio already signal a high-tension international return.