France Plans to Recognize Palestinian State at UN in September, Macron Says
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France will recognize a Palestinian state during the United Nations General Assembly in September.
Macron announced the decision in a post on X on Thursday evening, expressing hope that the move would contribute to peace in the region.
In a letter addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Macron confirmed France's intention to be the first major Western nation to formally recognize Palestinian statehood.
"Remaining committed to a fair and enduring resolution in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine," Macron said.
"This official declaration will be made at the upcoming UN General Assembly session in September."
The move is expected to draw criticism from Israel and the United States. Previously, in a diplomatic note issued in June, the US stated its opposition to unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.
Read next
"Softball booms in Brazilian city as Cuban migrants surpass Venezuelans for the first time"
Roberto Hernández Tello, 59, originally from Camagüey, Cuba, had hoped to reach the United States for a better future. But due to stricter immigration policies under the previous U.S. administration, he found himself in Curitiba, southern Brazil, thousands of miles from home.
Like him, many Cubans have recently arrived
"Public asked to aid in catching drug gangs using 'mother ships' near UK shores"
Police Ask Coastal Residents to Aid in Combating Drug Smuggling
Authorities have called on residents of coastal areas in the UK to assist in disrupting criminal groups that are employing increasingly creative tactics to bring large amounts of cocaine into the country.
Officials have noted a rise in “at-sea drop-offs”
"Germany's historic largest gay nightclub files for bankruptcy"
Germany’s longest-running and largest LGBTQ+ dance venue has filed for bankruptcy after operating for nearly 50 years, succumbing to financial pressures and shifting trends in Berlin’s nightlife.
Internal challenges and the rise of dating apps contributed to SchwuZ’s difficulties over the past year. In May, the venue