"I have decided that France will recognize a Palestinian state, in line with our historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. I will make this solemn announcement at the UN General Assembly meeting in September," French President Emmanuel Macron said on 24/7.

With this decision, France will become the first major Western nation to recognize a Palestinian state, adding momentum to recognition efforts by many countries globally. AFP reports that 142 countries currently recognize or plan to recognize a Palestinian state.

French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on 13/6. Photo: AP

French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on 13/6. Photo: AP

Macron said the "urgent priority" now is to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip and rescue civilians. He called on the international community to work together to "build and ensure the existence and operation of a Palestinian state" to contribute to the security of all parties in the Middle East.

Hussein al-Sheikh, a senior Palestinian Authority official, welcomed France's move. "It reflects Paris's commitment to international law, their support for the Palestinian right to self-determination, and the establishment of our independent state," he said.

The Hamas militant group described Macron's announcement as a "positive step" and called on all other countries to do the same.

The French president's announcement was met with criticism from Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing the move as an existential threat to Tel Aviv.

"A Palestinian state will be a launchpad for the destruction of Israel, not for peaceful coexistence. It must be made clear that the Palestinians are not seeking a state that exists alongside Israel, but a state that replaces Israel," Netanyahu said.

The US, a close ally of Israel, has not commented on France's announcement, but observers believe Washington will also have a strong reaction. In June, the US stated its opposition to any unilateral steps to recognize a Palestinian state.

Saudi Arabia said France's recognition of a Palestinian state was a "historic" decision.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on 24/7 that he would speak with his German and French counterparts about efforts to end the fighting in the Middle East, adding that a ceasefire would "put us on the path to recognizing a Palestinian state".

Thuy Lam (According to AFP, Reuters)