Macron encourages Abbas to improve Palestinian Authority with possibility of recognition

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Palestinian Authority chief Mahmud Abbas to implement necessary reforms, offering the prospect of recognition of the state of Palestine during a phone call on Wednesday. Macron highlighted France’s commitment to building a common vision of peace with European and Arab partners, offering security guarantees for Palestinians and Israelis.

The call with Abbas follows the official recognition of a Palestinian state by fellow European nations Spain, Ireland, and Norway, which drew ire from Israel. Macron’s Foreign Minister accused France’s neighbors of political positioning ahead of European elections, rather than seeking a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Macron expressed support for a reformed and strengthened Palestinian Authority, able to carry out its responsibilities throughout the Palestinian territories, including in the Gaza Strip. Abbas, in turn, expressed the Palestinian government’s commitment to reform and called on European countries that have not recognized the state of Palestine to do so.

The current fighting in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, was sparked by an attack on southern Israel, resulting in civilian casualties on both sides. Macron called civilian casualties intolerable and offered his condolences to the Palestinian people for the bombing of a displaced people’s camp in Rafah.

Overall, Macron’s call with Abbas signals a push for peace and recognition of the state of Palestine, amidst ongoing conflict and political tensions in the region.