France to Recognize Palestine as a State

• French President Emmanuel Macron plans to formally recognize Palestine as a state at the UN General Assembly in September.

• This move is the most significant European move to do so, with at least 142 countries now or planning to recognize Palestinian statehood.

• Israel and the U.S. strongly oppose this move, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it a “reckless decision” serving Hamas propaganda.

• Senior Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the move, stating it reflects France’s commitment to international law and support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination.

• Macron emphasized the urgent need to end the war in Gaza and rescue the civilian population.

• Other European powers, including Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, have hinted at recognizing a Palestinian state.