President Donald Trump said French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state “doesn’t matter,” arguing that the move will not change anything in the Middle East. “Look, he’s a different kind of a guy,” he said, referring to his French counterpart. “He’s okay — he’s a team player pretty much. He’s a good dude, but what he says doesn’t matter.”
“It’s not going to change anything,” he continued. “The statement doesn’t carry any weight. He’s a very good guy, I like him, but that statement doesn’t carry weight.” Macron had released a lengthy statement on social media the day before, declaring that he would make a “solemn announcement” to recognize Palestinian statehood at the next United Nations General Assembly meeting in September.
“The French people want peace in the Middle East. It is up to us, the French, together with the Israelis, the Palestinians, and our European and international partners, to demonstrate that it is possible,” he wrote. He also renewed his call for an “immediate ceasefire” in conjunction with the release of the Israeli hostages being held by Hamas terrorists, and for humanitarian aid to be administered to people living in Gaza. (Read More)