France is among several Western nations planning to recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly on Monday. President Emmanuel Macron has become a vocal supporter of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. But critics say the timing isn't right.

Paris

Israel and Iran have agreed a ceasefire after a twelve day conflict. Meanwhile, Israel strikes in Gaza continue with the humanitarian crisis deepening.

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French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement to recognize a Palestinian state has divided opinion in France. Supporters, including members of the political left and activists, praise the move as historic and overdue, while critics argue the timing is problematic and could exacerbate tensions.

France, home to Europe's largest Muslim and Jewish communities, has seen heightened tensions due to the ongoing conflict. While there is broad agreement in principle about the existence of a Palestinian state, debate centers on the timing and effectiveness of Macron's decision. Some advocates call for stronger measures, such as sanctions and an arms embargo, while others warn the move could worsen the situation or lacks sufficient impact.

France divided on timing of Macron's move to recognize Palestine

At a rally for Gaza in Paris, support for the French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to recognise a Palestinian state. Samia is Palestinian. She hopes it's more than a symbolic move. We're not an aid project. We are people with rights and we deserve our freedom and our sovereignty and we deserve justice. So for me, really, recognition, if it doesn't come without sanctions and arms embargo and real accountability, it's political theatre at the end of the day. Macron's supporters and some on the political left call the President's decision historic and courageous. His critics say it's misguided and dangerous. The timing is catastrophic. Doing it now exonerates Hamas. France is home to the largest Muslim and Jewish communities in Europe. The war has fuelled tensions in the country. Some say recognition will make the situation worse. Others say it doesn't go far enough. Artist Ruth Rosenthal is part of a Franco-Israeli association that's campaigned for Gaza for more than a decade. We are demanding sanctions because we know that Israelis won't stop the madness. Either they can't or they won't or they just don't. So it needs to be from the outside. The debate in France isn't really about whether there should be a Palestinian state. Most people agree with that in principle. The question is more about why is Emmanuel Macron choosing to recognise one now? The rationale for doing it now is that the Israeli plan to prevent any Palestinian state, any Palestinian entity on that land is reaching the no return point. And if you don't do it now you will recognise a non-existing potential state. The mayor of the Paris suburb of Ivry has long flown the flag for the Palestinian cause. He says France's recognition should have happened a long time ago. All I can say is at last a Palestinian state exists and part is illegally occupied by Israel in a colonial war that aims to conquer and colonise territory. It's nothing to do with religion. So I welcome the president's step. Past French presidents have talked about recognising a Palestinian state but not followed through. That Macron's taken action reveals a new sense of urgency in Paris about a Palestinian future and sends a message to Israel and to its ally the US to immediately change course. I'm Sasha Butler, Al Jazeera, Paris.

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France divided on timing of Macron's move to recognize Palestine

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