Macron says France will recognise State of Palestine

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday his country would formally recognise a Palestinian state during a UN meeting in September, the most powerful European nation to announce such a move.

At least 142 countries now recognise or plan to recognise Palestinian statehood, according to an AFP tally — though Israel and the United States strongly oppose the moves.

Several countries have announced plans to recognise statehood for the Palestinians since Israel launched a bombardment of Gaza…