France to Recognize Palestinian State at UN in September

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September, marking a significant diplomatic move despite opposition from Israel and the United States. Efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza have stalled, as both U.S. and Israeli negotiating teams withdrew from talks in Qatar, citing Hamas's unwillingness to reach an agreement, though Israel says talks could resume if conditions change. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with the UN and aid organizations reporting severe shortages, rising starvation, and malnutrition among children. International pressure is increasing on Israel to allow more aid and agree to a ceasefire, with countries like India reiterating calls for hostages' release and sustained humanitarian support. The prospects for a negotiated two-state solution appear bleak, as internal Palestinian divisions and recent Israeli legislative moves complicate the path to statehood. An international conference in New York, supported by France and the EU, is planned to address Gaza's crisis and support Palestinian statehood, but its effectiveness remains uncertain.