France Plans G7 First Recognition of Palestinian State Amid Regional Backlash

France's decision to recognize Palestine as a state, announced by President Emmanuel Macron and set to take effect at the UN General Assembly, has drawn mixed reactions globally. While France becomes the first Western G7 member to recognize Palestine, Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemned the move, arguing it rewards terror and threatens Israel's existence. Hamas welcomed France's recognition as a positive step toward Palestinian self-determination, urging other countries to follow suit. Gulf states such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait praised France's decision, viewing it as aligned with international law and crucial for advancing peace and a two-state solution. The UAE also expressed strong support for international efforts to revive the peace process and uphold the Palestinian people's rights. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Macron's recognition as insignificant and criticized Hamas for abandoning ceasefire talks, emphasizing ongoing U.S. and Israeli efforts to resolve the conflict amid stalled negotiations.