Overview

• President Emmanuel Macron confirmed France's intention to formally recognize a Palestinian state, with an announcement expected at a UN conference co-chaired with Saudi Arabia in June.
• This move would mark a significant shift in French foreign policy, making France the first permanent member of the UN Security Council to take such a step.
• Macron framed the decision as part of a broader strategy to encourage Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, to recognize Israel in return.
• Israeli officials have strongly criticized the plan, calling it a 'prize for terror' and warning it could embolden Hamas and destabilize the region further.
• The announcement has sparked mixed reactions in France, with supporters viewing it as a step toward peace and critics arguing the timing is premature given ongoing conflict and instability.