France Plans Palestine Recognition Amid Italian, U.S. Opposition, Regional Tensions

France announced it will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September, becoming the first G7 nation to do so and joining over 140 countries already recognizing Palestinian statehood. French President Emmanuel Macron frames this as a crucial step toward lasting peace in the Middle East, emphasizing support for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and long-term development for a future Palestinian state. However, this move has drawn strong criticism from Israel and the United States, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denouncing it as rewarding terrorism and creating a potential threat to Israel's existence. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Germany oppose early recognition, arguing it is counterproductive to recognize a Palestinian state before its establishment and could give the false impression that the conflict is resolved. Experts like Ardi Imseis, a law professor and former UN official, assert that recognizing Palestine is essential for a genuine two-state solution and that delaying recognition effectively grants Israel veto power over Palestinian self-determination. The debate highlights deep divisions within the international community over the best path forward to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.