France will officially recognize a Palestinian state in September, making it the first G7 nation to do so. The move was announced by President Emmanuel Macron on social media platform X.
Macron emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages in Gaza. He also called for massive humanitarian aid to be provided to the people of Gaza.
Palestinian officials welcomed the decision, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized it, saying France’s recognition would “reward terror.” The US rejected Macron’s announcement, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it “reckless.”
France’s recognition of Palestine is seen as a significant development in the Middle East conflict. The move has been welcomed by some countries, including Saudi Arabia, but condemned by others, such as Israel.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with over 59,000 people killed and much of the territory reduced to rubble. The UN’s Palestinian refugee agency reports that one in five children in Gaza City is malnourished, and cases are increasing daily.
Human rights groups have warned of mass starvation in the Gaza Strip, calling on governments to take action. Israel controls the entry of supplies into Gaza, blaming Hamas for any cases of malnutrition.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg5g4p3245o