Thu Jul 24 20:14:24 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewrite as a news article:

**Summary:**

French President Emmanuel Macron announced France will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, joining other European nations like Norway, Ireland, and Spain in this move. This decision comes amid growing international anger over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and restrictions on aid deliveries. While many countries already recognize Palestine, several major Western powers, including the US, UK, and Germany, do not. The announcement was praised by Palestinian officials but condemned by Israeli leaders, who fear it will embolden terrorism and undermine Israel’s security.

**News Article:**

**France to Formally Recognize Palestinian State at UN General Assembly**

**Paris, France** – In a significant shift in policy, French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September. The move signals growing European frustration with the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the dire humanitarian situation there.

“In keeping with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine,” Macron wrote in a post on X. France will become the largest and arguably most influential European nation to take this step, following similar moves by Norway, Ireland, and Spain.

The announcement comes as international pressure mounts on Israel amid concerns over the high Palestinian death toll in Gaza and severe restrictions on aid deliveries. Earlier this week, France joined other allies of Israel in condemning the restrictions.

While over 140 UN member states already recognize Palestine, key Western powers, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, have so far refrained.

Palestinian Authority officials welcomed Macron’s decision. Hussein al-Sheikh, Deputy to President Mahmoud Abbas, called it a reflection of France’s commitment to international law and Palestinian self-determination.

However, the announcement was met with strong condemnation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. “Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became,” a statement from Netanyahu’s office read. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz called the move “a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism,” vowing to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian entity that would harm Israel’s security.

The timing of the French announcement coincides with increased diplomatic efforts to find a path toward a two-state solution. France’s Foreign Minister is scheduled to co-host a conference at the UN next week focused on achieving lasting peace. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also indicated intentions to coordinate with allies France and Germany regarding the situation in Gaza. The future viability of a Palestinian state remains uncertain, particularly given continued Israeli settlement expansion in occupied territories.

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