Palestinians gather at a relief distribution point in Gaza. — XINHUA/VNA Photo

PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will officially recognise the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September.

In posts on X and Instagram on Thursday, Macron said the move reflects France’s “historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East”. He added that a formal announcement will be made at the UN assembly.

Macron urged the international community to work together to establish and support a viable Palestinian state, saying such efforts would contribute to the security of all people in the Middle East. He also stressed that the immediate priority is to end the war in Gaza and rescue civilians.

The French leader also released a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, confirming France’s intention to become the first major Western power to recognise Palestinian statehood.

According to international media, at least 142 of the 193 United Nations member states currently recognise, or have expressed plans to recognise, the State of Palestine.

Also on Thursday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to hold an emergency call with French and German leaders to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He reiterated his call for a ceasefire and renewed momentum toward recognising Palestinian statehood.

Starmer said the E3 group, comprising the UK, France and Germany, will coordinate next steps to help build lasting peace in the region. 

He said a ceasefire would create conditions for recognising the State of Palestine and advancing a two-state solution that guarantees peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis. — VNA/VNS