French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will officially recognize the state of Palestine, with a formal declaration planned at the UN General Assembly in September.

He called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, humanitarian aid, Hamas’s demilitarization, and the establishment of a viable Palestinian state that recognizes Israel, ABC News has reported.

The move drew strong backlash from the U.S. and Israel, with critics calling it a reward for terrorism and a threat to Israel’s security.

Written by B.C. Begley