French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced his nation will recognise a Palestinian state in September, an announcement that drew sharp criticism from the US and Israel.

France will become the first G7 nation to recognise Palestine.

Macron made the formal announcement on X when he wrote: "Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine."

Macron said he will announce before the UN General Assembly in September.

"The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and to bring relief to the civilian population," he said.

Speaking on the issue of reaching peace in Palestine, he said: " We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. We must also ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza. And finally, we must build the State of Palestine, guarantee its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the region."

We strongly condemn Macron's decision: Netanyahu

Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Macron's move and said such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy

In his X post, Netanyahu said: " We strongly condemn President Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the October 7 massacre. Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became."

"A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it. Let’s be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel," he said.

US 'rejects' French plan to recognise Palestine state

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X: "The United States strongly rejects @EmmanuelMacron ’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the @UN
general assembly."

He said: "This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th."

The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023 and killed 1200 people and took away 251 people as hostage.

Starvation is “another killer” in Gaza: UN

Reportedly at least 100 people have died from hunger, and WHO has documented at least 21 cases of children under the age of five dying from malnutrition. 

Additionally, Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA)said one in five children in Gaza City is malnourished, a number increasing every day that unhindered humanitarian aid is denied.  

“Severe malnutrition is spreading among children faster than aid can reach them, and the world is watching it happen … Children must be protected - not killed, and not left to starve,” said Edouard Beigbeder, UN Children Fund’s (UNICEF) regional director for the Middle East and North Africa.

Between early March and mid-May – 80 consecutive days – no aid was allowed into the Gaza Strip, pushing the population to the brink of famine. While minimal aid has since entered, Tedros emphasised that it is not enough.