French President Emmanuel Macron said on 24 July that France will formally recognise the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September. In a letter released on social media and sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron called the step “true to France’s historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.” Macron linked the move to the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, urging an immediate cease-fire, the release of hostages, large-scale aid deliveries and the eventual demilitarisation of Hamas. He added that a viable Palestinian state, fully recognising Israel, is essential for regional security. France would become the first G7 member and the largest Western nation to extend such recognition, giving new momentum to a campaign already backed by about 142 countries. Macron is also trying to build European consensus ahead of a ministerial meeting on the two-state solution later this month and the full UN gathering in September. Palestinian official Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the decision as support for Palestinian self-determination. Israel condemned the announcement: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it “rewards terror,” while Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin called it “shameless.” U.S. officials reiterated Washington’s opposition to unilateral recognition, warning it could complicate peace efforts.