France to recognise Palestinian state at UN general assembly, Macron says
The French president announced the decision on X on Thursday evening, saying he hoped it would bring peace to the region.
Macron published a letter sent to Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas, confirming France's intention to become the first major western power to recognise a Palestinian state.
'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,' Macron said.
'I will make this solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September.'
The decision is likely to spark anger in Israel and Washington. In a diplomatic cable in June, the US said it opposed any steps that would unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state.
More details to follow …
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