France to formally recognise Palestinian state, Macron says

Let's begin with France's move to recognize Palestine as a state.

Sure. French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will recognize Palestine as a state.

President Macron stated in a social media post on Thursday that France will formalize its recognition of the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, in support of "sustainable peace in the Middle East."

Macron emphasized that ending the Gaza war, securing the release of hostages, demilitarizing Hamas, and delivering massive humanitarian aid are urgent priorities that his decision supports.

The move makes France, home to the largest Jewish and Muslim populations in Western Europe, the first G7 country to recognize Palestinian statehood.

While the Palestinian Authority welcomed the announcement, calling it proof of France's support for international law and Palestinian self-determination, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced it as "rewarding terror."

The State of Palestine is currently recognized by more than 140 of the 193 UN member countries.