France to Recognize Palestinian State by June 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for France to recognize a Palestinian state by June, potentially making the announcement at a UN conference co-chaired with Saudi Arabia. Macron's intent is to progress toward a two-state solution, encouraging mutual recognition between Israel and Palestine. This move has been sharply criticized by Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who claims it would reward terrorism and bolster Hamas. Palestinian officials and Hamas have welcomed the potential recognition, seeing it as a positive step toward safeguarding Palestinian rights. France would be the most significant European nation to undertake such recognition, joining nearly 150 countries that already recognize Palestinian statehood. The decision risks straining France-Israel relations as Israel views the timing as premature.