PARIS, France — Amid escalating humanitarian concerns in Gaza, French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Thursday that France will formally recognize Palestine as a state. This move is part of an evolving stance on Middle Eastern politics, particularly in light of growing global outrage over the suffering of civilians in the ongoing conflict.

Macron announced his intentions via social media, stating that he will make this recognition official at the United Nations General Assembly in September. He emphasized the urgency of halting the violence in Gaza, declaring, “The civilian population must be saved.”

Though the French leader has expressed support for Israel following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, his frustration with the situation in Gaza has mounted in recent months. Macron noted his commitment to a “just and sustainable peace” in the Middle East, asserting, “Peace is possible.” He also shared correspondence he had sent to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to convey his intentions.

As the largest country in Europe to recognize Palestine, France joins over 140 nations that have done so, including more than a dozen other European countries. The decision comes with complex implications, especially in a country that holds Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim populations. Tensions surrounding Middle Eastern conflicts often lead to protests and divisions within France itself.

The announcement followed a recent halt in negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, where U.S. officials deemed Hamas uncooperative in talks taking place in Qatar. France’s foreign minister, who is set to co-host a conference at the U.N. next week aimed at pursuing a two-state solution, reiterated Macron’s commitment to recognizing Palestine. Last month, he had expressed determination to move toward this recognition while also affirming Israel’s right to defend itself.

Recent days have seen an increase in condemnation of Israel’s actions, with France and more than two dozen countries criticizing Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid and the impact on Palestinian lives. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has drawn international scrutiny and heightened calls for action.

The Palestinians seek recognition for an independent state comprising the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, territories seized by Israel during the 1967 conflict. However, the Israeli government has long opposed such moves, arguing that recognizing Palestinian statehood would effectively reward the actions of militant groups following the recent violence.

East Jerusalem, annexed by Israel shortly after the 1967 war, is considered by Israel as part of its capital. In the West Bank, Israel has established numerous settlements inhabited by over 500,000 Jewish residents. Meanwhile, approximately 3 million Palestinians live under Israeli military governance, with limited autonomy granted to the Palestinian Authority.

This announcement by Macron highlights France’s evolving foreign policy in an increasingly polarized region, reflecting both the urgency of humanitarian concerns and the complex political landscape.