France Officially Recognizes Palestinian State, Macron Urges Gaza War End Amid Israel Offensive

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an immediate end to the Gaza war, emphasizing that the time for peace has come and advocating for the two-state solution where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully. France, along with five other EU countries, plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state, joining nations like the UK, Canada, Australia, and others who have already done so. This diplomatic move aims to keep the two-state solution alive amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, which continue to cause widespread displacement and suffering. The international push, led by France and Saudi Arabia, seeks to rally global support at the UN General Assembly, though it risks provoking strong reactions from Israel and the United States. Despite increasing international recognition of a Palestinian state and growing isolation of Israel on the world stage, public opinion within Israel remains largely opposed to the two-state solution. The conflict's human toll and geopolitical tensions underscore the challenges facing efforts to secure peace and security in the region.