Overview

• President Emmanuel Macron formalized France’s recognition of a State of Palestine in a speech at the United Nations.
• Europe 1 reports that other countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and Belgium, also announced recognition during the UN General Assembly.
• Analyst Gérard Vespierre argued a Palestinian state cannot be meaningfully recognized without defined borders and institutions and said the step will not alter realities without a halt to fighting and the release of hostages.
• Vespierre also contended the recognition does not benefit Hamas, which he described as militarily weakened and politically isolated among Palestinian factions.
• L’Humanité reported immediate tensions inside France, citing prefects referring mayors to administrative justice and actions by Rassemblement National figures who removed flags and publicly pressured local officials.