PARIS. France is set to join the ranks of countries that will formally recognize the existence of a Palestinian state from September.

This was announced on Thursday evening by French President Emmanuel Macron, who called it a"historic contribution to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East."

"The priority today is to end the war in Gaza and help the civilian population. Peace is possible. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and massive humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza," the French president wrote on the X network.

He also mentioned the disarmament of the Hamas movement and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip as necessary.

"Ultimately, we must build a Palestinian state, guarantee its viability and ensure that, through its own demilitarization and recognition of Israel, it contributes to the security of everyone in the region," Macron believes.

France would thus become the first country from the Group of Seven (G7) to formally recognize the Palestinian state.

However, the G7 group also includes the United States, a long-time ally of Israel, which has already reacted critically to Macron's announcement.

Why now?

Israel On October 7, 2023, a catastrophic humanitarian situation arose in the Gaza Strip, from where Hamas attacked, under Israeli retaliation.

The Washington Post reminds us that for the past four months, the Gaza Strip has been practically under an Israeli blockade, and humanitarian organizations are warning of famine.