French President Emmanuel Macron was likely motivated to declare his intent to recognize Palestine by a desire to quell Islamic separatism in his own country. The decision, announced on Thursday, is a break from the ranks of the European establishment,

The leaders of Britain, France, and Germany have demanded Israel allow unrestricted aid into Gaza to end a “humanitarian catastrophe."

When Macron visited the Egyptian town of Al-Arish on the border with Gaza in April, he was struck by the mounting humanitarian crisis and made clear on his return home that Paris would soon opt for recognition.