** France has confirmed it will recognize Palestine as a state at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, becoming the 148th nation to do so, despite criticism from Israel and the United States. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot asserted that this recognition “is not a favour to Hamas,” but rather “proves the terrorists wrong and vindicates the Palestinian actors who have chosen dialogue and peace,” emphasizing the two-state solution as the “only path to lasting peace.”
The move drew sharp condemnation from former US President Donald Trump, who dismissed President Emmanuel Macron’s stance as irrelevant and “carrying no weight,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio labelled it a “reckless decision” that “fuels Hamas propaganda, obstructs peace, and is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.” Conversely, Russia, China, and Saudi Arabia – which will co-chair a meeting with France next week in New York on the two-state solution – welcomed Paris’s initiative.
Key European allies of France adopted a more cautious stance. While not criticizing Paris directly, German opposition leader Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer deemed recognition premature. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani conditioned Italy’s recognition on “Palestinians recognizing the State of Israel,” while also condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza: “What Israel is doing is unacceptable.”
Later on Tuesday, the leaders of France, Germany, and the UK held a call primarily focused on urging Israel to end the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza “immediately” and fully open the Strip to aid convoys. The Israeli government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, continues to deny UN and widespread diplomatic reports of “famine” in Gaza. It has, however, permitted foreign countries to airdrop food – a method criticised by Hamas and previously linked to civilian casualties when aid packages fell.
“Gaza doesn’t need aerial acrobatics,” Tajani commented. “It needs an open humanitarian corridor and a constant flow of aid trucks.” Following the collapse of indirect talks with Hamas mediated by US envoy Steve Witkoff, Netanyahu announced that Israel and its US allies are “currently evaluating alternative options” to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza and eliminate Hamas, which he termed “an obstacle to reaching a deal.” Trump suggested Hamas “didn’t want a deal. I think they want to die… We’ve reached a point where the job will have to be finished,” though the nature of potential alternatives remains unclear.