French President Emannuel Macron reaffirmed on Sunday his country’s rejection to the American latest decision to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, assuring that Palestinians and Israelis should return to direct negotiations.

The two officials held a meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamine Netanyahu at the Elysee Palace, where Macron pointed out that the two sides should continue discussions until they reach the two-state solution.

Netanyahu said that many Arabic countries know that “Israel is a strongly needed ally in the area, and that peace will be achieved when Palestinian will understand that Jerusalem is the Israeli capital.”

Donald Trump announced earlier on Wednesday Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, declaring his intention to move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The highly controversial announcement triggered demonstrations in many Islamic countries, violent clashes in the Palestinian territories, and huge opposition from European countries.