Overview

• France is lobbying European partners including the U.K., the Netherlands and Belgium to join its push for Palestinian statehood at the June conference co-hosted with Saudi Arabia
• Macron’s shift toward recognition reflects mounting pressure from Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank
• The U.K. under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said it will support the foundations of Palestinian statehood but has not committed to formal recognition
• Israeli officials have warned that recognition could jeopardize intelligence cooperation and hinted at potential annexation of further West Bank territory
• More than 140 U.N. member states already recognize Palestine and France’s move could widen divisions with the United States unless paired with measures such as sanctions on settlements