France to recognise Palestinian state
In a statement on social media, he said the move was part of his country's commitment to achieving a "lasting peace in the Middle East".
"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.
"I will make a formal announcement at the United Nations General Assembly in September," Mr Macron wrote on X and Instagram.
Including France, Palestinian statehood is recognised by 142 countries, including Ireland, according to an AFP tally, though Israel and the United States strongly oppose recognition.
France would be the most significant European power to recognise a Palestinian state.
"The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and rescue the civilian population," Mr Macron wrote.
"We must finally build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability and enable it, by accepting its demilitarisation and fully recognising Israel, to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East."
The French leader also published a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming France's intentions.
Mr Abbas's deputy Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed the news, thanking Mr Macron.
"This position reflects France's commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people's rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state," Mr Sheikh said.
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Irish Examiner
7 minutes ago
- Irish Examiner
US-EU deal sets 15% tariff on most goods and averts threat of trade war
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Irish Daily Mirror
7 minutes ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Taoiseach welcomes trade deal between EU and US
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The Journal
15 minutes ago
- The Journal
'A good deal for everybody': US and EU reach 15% tariff deal after Trump-von der Leyen meeting
LAST UPDATE | 48 mins ago US PRESIDENT DONALD Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have 'reached a deal' after meeting in Scotland in a high-stakes attempt to end a months-long transatlantic trade dispute. 'We have reached a deal. It's a good deal for everybody,' Trump told reporters after talks with von der Leyen at his golf resort in Turnberry, Scotland. 'This is the biggest [deal] of them all.' He told reporters in Scotland that the EU had committed to investing an extra $600 billion in the United States, as well as purchasing $750 billion worth of energy. Trump had put the odds of a deal at '50-50″. Before the meeting, Trump said that tariffs on EU exports will not be lower than 15%. 'No,' Trump responded when asked by a reporter whether he was able to agree to a lower levy. The US president, sitting beside von der Leyen, added that pharmaceuticals 'won't be part of' any deal. Speaking afterwards, Trump said that the US and EU have 'reached a deal'. 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Trump, who has promised to strike '90 deals in 90 days', has so far concluded five, including agreements with Britain, Japan and the Philippines. A deal with the EU would boost his trade credentials ahead of the US election and distract from mounting controversy over the Jeffrey Epstein case, which continues to draw backlash from some of his own supporters. Additional reporting from AFP Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
