Overview

• France says it will confer recognition at the UN on Monday, Portugal confirmed it will announce on Sunday, and British media report the UK could move as early as this weekend.
• Israel condemned the drive, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Emmanuel Macron of a "crusade against Israel" and the government declaring the French leader persona non grata.
• UN Secretary-General António Guterres called conditions in Gaza "entsetzlich" and urged the international community not to be cowed by threats of retaliation as Israel expands operations in Gaza City.
• Germany will not recognize a Palestinian state now; Berlin will attend the UN conference on a two‑state process and has committed to immediate aid for the Palestinian Authority, though a €30 million disbursement is on hold in parliament.
• Israeli officials have warned of possible annexation steps if Western recognitions proceed, while Germany’s development minister says Berlin is reviewing EU proposals for trade and targeted measures against Israel.