France to Recognize Palestine at UN in September

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, citing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a decisive factor. This makes France the first G7 nation to take such a step and has sparked both international support and significant backlash. Israel, the US, and several Jewish organizations have condemned the move as premature and potentially emboldening Hamas. Italy and Germany have declined immediate recognition, emphasizing the need for negotiations, while the UK's new prime minister Keir Starmer has also resisted immediate recognition in favor of a negotiated settlement. Over 142 UN member states now recognize Palestine, but critics argue that unilateral recognition could undermine peace talks and legitimize extremism. The announcement has intensified global debate over the path to Middle East peace and the viability of a two-state solution.