Paris' plan to recognise Palestine draws flak

Israel, Washington up in arms over idea

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France intends to recognise a Palestinian state in September at the United Nations General Assembly, President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday in hopes of bringing peace to the region, but the plan drew angry rebukes from Israel and the United States.

Mr Macron, who unveiled the decision on X, published a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming France's intention to press ahead with Palestinian recognition and work to convince other partners to follow suit.

“True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the state of Palestine,” Mr Macron said.

“I will make this solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September.”

Home to Europe's largest Jewish and Muslim communities, France will become the first major Western country to recognise a Palestinian state, potentially fuelling a movement so far dominated by smaller nations generally more critical of Israel.

The news sparked anger in Israel and Washington.