Now is the time to recognize Palestinian statehood - opinion
Jerusalem PostJan 23
Macron: Recognizing Palestine State 'Not A Taboo' For France
Image copyright: Christian Liewig - Corbis / Contributor via Getty Images
The Facts
French Pres. Emmanuel Macron on Friday said that recognizing a Palestinian state was "not a taboo for France," indicating Paris could unilaterally back a two-state solution to end the conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Paris with Jordan's King Abdullah II, Macron said France was working with its "partners in the region" and ready to contribute, in Europe and at the UN, towards recognizing a Palestinian state.
The Spin
Narrative A
How many thousands more must die before everyone agrees that a two-state solution is the only way ahead in the Israel-Palestine conflict? The only war the region can now afford is one against depravity and sub-human living conditions. It's now up to Israel to set a vision for the region and grant Palestine statehood.
Narrative B
Recognizing a Palestinian state before there's anything even remotely resembling a state apparatus is unlikely to solve the crisis, and would only brush the real reasons for the conflict under the carpet. Furthermore, such a plan would be a non-starter without a fair idea of the state's official borders. Without such basics being thought through, calling for a "state" is, at best, virtue signaling.
Nerd narrative
There's a 33% chance that Israel will recognize Palestine by 2070, according to the Metaculus prediction community.