President Emmanuel Macron will formally recognize a Palestinian state in New York on Monday, backed by several other European countries, describing France's move as a necessity.
Coming hard on the heels of a decision by the UK, Canada, and Australia, Macron said his move would be the beginning of a political process and a peace and security plan for everybody.
France, like the UK, carries considerable diplomatic weight as both a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the G7, and is coordinating the push with Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of this week's UN General Assembly.
Paris will not be joined by two of the other big European states in the G7, Germany and Italy, and not by the US either.
Israel has denounced the move as a reward for Hamas, with its UN ambassador calling Monday's event a circus.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted there will be no Palestinian state to the west of the River Jordan, while President Isaac Herzog stated that recognizing one would only embolden the forces of darkness.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot asserted that his country's action is a categorical rejection of Hamas, emphasizing its symbolic nature as a demonstration of France's commitment to the two-state solution.
Macron's declaration is assisted by several European nations, including Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Portugal, who are also expected to announce similar recognition.
Pro-Palestinian protests occurred in various Italian cities, where the government, currently led by Giorgia Meloni, claimed that recognizing a state that doesn't exist could be counter-productive.
In Germany, leadership has stated that Palestinian statehood is not currently up for debate, and any recognition should occur at the end of a long process.
Macron's plans also include a phased approach involving a ceasefire and reconstruction of Gaza, contingent upon the release of hostages held by Hamas.
