French President Emmanuel Macron announced on his X account that France will recognize a Palestinian state. "From a historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the state of Palestine," he wrote, adding that he will make "a solemn declaration at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September." According to Macron, "The urgency today is to end the war in Gaza and provide aid to the civilian population. Peace is possible." The French president also called for the release of hostages and the disarmament of Hamas, and said Gaza needs to be rebuilt. Read the full story here.