PARIS: French lawmakers voted on Tuesday in favour of recognising Palestine as a state, following similar moves in Britain and Spain as European countries try to restart the stalled Middle East peace process.
The proposal was passed with 339 votes in favor and 151 against, meaning that it was supported by more than two-thirds of French lawmakers. So far, Sweden has been the only country to diplomatically accept the existence of Palestine, despite similar symbolic votes across Europe.
Israel immediately responded, saying that the motion would harm the peace process.
Israeli officials have said that Europes drive to legitimize Palestine is a validation of Hamass rocket attacks on settlements inside Israel, and disincentivizes Palestinians from making any further concessions during future talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned last month it would be a grave mistake for France to recognize Palestine.
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