Macron takes risk with Palestinian statehood recognition | International

PARIS, Sept 20, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - French President Emmanuel Macron scored amajor diplomatic coup by declaring his intention to recognise a Palestinianstate but the move risks being followed by bitter retaliation from Israelwhile not providing concrete benefits to the Palestinians, analysts andsources say. Macron sent a shockwave through the international community with his pledgeover the summer. His announcement in a speech in New York at a conference onthe sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Monday is now to be matched byrecognition by nine other states including Australia, Belgium, Canada and theUK, according to the Elysee. The recognition marks the growing international frustration with Israel overits assault and aid blockades on the Gaza Strip first launched in response tothe October...