In brief
In a significant diplomatic move, President Emmanuel Macron of France announced that the country will formally recognise the State of Palestine in September during the UN General Assembly. This decision comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, with Macron urging for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance for the affected civilian population. The announcement was met with mixed reactions: Palestinian officials welcomed the decision, while Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz firmly opposed it, characterizing it as a failure to combat terrorism. Macron reiterated France's commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, emphasizing the necessity for the demilitarisation of Hamas to foster a secure environment in the region.
