Paris: France is set to recognise a Palestinian state on Monday at the UN, following similar actions by the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the recognition is not contingent upon the release of hostages, although the freedom of hostages is necessary before the establishment of a Palestinian embassy.
According to France24.com, the move is part of an effort to rejuvenate the two-state solution, a long-standing proposal aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This decision has drawn criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite the backlash, several other European countries are anticipated to follow France's lead in recognising Palestine.