France to Recognize Palestinian State in September
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will recognize a Palestinian state in September. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the decision, calling it a "reward for terror." The UN has warned of a hunger crisis in Gaza, with Palestinian health officials reporting deaths due to malnutrition. Israel denies causing famine and accuses Hamas of creating food shortages.
Israel is recalling negotiators from ceasefire talks after Hamas rejected the latest proposal. The US team in Qatar is also returning home. Macron's decision to recognize a Palestinian state has garnered support from countries like Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. Israel has distanced itself from comments made by Israeli Minister of Heritage Amihai Eliyahu regarding Gaza and hunger, stating that his views do not represent the government's policy.
Aid agencies have raised concerns about the hunger crisis in Gaza, with reports of children suffering from malnutrition. Hamas has criticized US special envoy Steve Witkoff's remarks on ceasefire negotiations, calling them biased and dishonest. The militant group welcomed Macron's announcement of recognizing a Palestinian state and urged other countries to follow suit.
Macron's decision to recognize a Palestinian state has put pressure on other countries to do the same. The French presidency official confirmed that other countries are likely to follow suit. The US administration is working on humanitarian issues in Gaza, but concerns have been raised about the lack of a high-level envoy focusing on the crisis.
Macron's announcement was unexpected and indicates a sense of urgency to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The UK Prime Minister plans to discuss the situation with France and Germany. The US remains committed to ceasefire efforts, but Hamas' response has raised doubts about the negotiations. Palestinian officials have called for an end to the war in Gaza and increased humanitarian aid.
UNICEF reports a rise in malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza, with children being the most affected. The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with aid groups calling for urgent action to address the hunger crisis. Israeli leaders have criticized Macron's decision to recognize a Palestinian state, expressing concerns about security and sovereignty.
Macron's announcement has sparked reactions from various parties, with calls for immediate action to address the crisis in Gaza. Aid organizations are urging Israel to lift the blockade and allow essential supplies into Gaza. The World Health Organization has described the situation in Gaza as a man-made "mass starvation." Gaza residents are facing dire conditions, with reports of people collapsing on the streets from hunger and dehydration.