Overview

• President Emmanuel Macron announced France will officially recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September.
• He described the move as essential leverage to end Israel’s military offensive, secure humanitarian aid and ensure the demilitarization of Hamas.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the plan as rewarding terrorism and undermining peace.
• Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called the decision a victory for the Palestinian cause, and Hamas urged other countries to follow France’s lead.
• France, Germany and Britain held a joint call urging an immediate ceasefire and the removal of restrictions on aid deliveries, though truce negotiations remain stalled.