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They also rejected the actions of Israelis who claim land in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
“Threats of annexation, settlements and acts of settler violence against Palestinians undermine the prospects for a negotiated two-state solution,” they said.
Macron, Starmer and Merz have worked closely on the war in Ukraine, calling themselves the E3 as representatives of major nations in Europe, but their differences on Palestine highlight the vexed debate over Macron’s declaration.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also held out against recognising Palestine, with her government saying the move could only come if the Palestinian state simultaneously recognised Israel.
Starmer is under growing political pressure from some of his colleagues to show more support for Palestinians, with 110 Labour MPs signing a letter calling for swift recognition.
Another 111 MPs from other parties have also signed the letter, organised by Labour MP Sarah Champion, so the call has the support of more than one third of the members of the House of Commons.
French President Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the NATO summit last month.Credit: Getty Images
The letter, issued on Friday in London, cited Britain’s pivotal mandate in 1917 to call for a Jewish state in Palestine – known as the Balfour Declaration after the foreign secretary at the time – as a reason to support the Palestinian people.
“Since 1980 we have backed a two-state solution,” said the letter.
“Such a recognition would give that position substance as well as living up to a historic responsibility we have to the people under that mandate.”
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European leaders have condemned the starvation of Palestinians in Gaza after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tightened military control of the narrow territory.
Macron went further than other major European leaders on Thursday by declaring that France would recognise the state of Palestine.
“We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza,” he said.
“We must also ensure the demilitarisation of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza.
“And finally, we must build the State of Palestine, guarantee its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the region.”
France is expected to take the formal step toward recognition at the UN General Assembly in September, setting up a significant debate when US President Donald Trump has dismissed Macron’s statement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the French president’s call on the grounds that Hamas or others would inflict more terror on Israel under the statehood idea, acting as proxies for Iran.
“A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it,” he said.
“Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel.”
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Starmer responded to Macron’s declaration by saying he wanted a pathway to peace, with several steps.
“Recognition of a Palestinian state has to be one of those steps. I am unequivocal about that,” he said.
“But it must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis.”
The German government also indicated it saw statehood as one of the final steps toward a two-state solution, and that it would have to be part of an outcome that brought security to both sides.
with Reuters, AP
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