## Macron Slams Algeria, Suspends Visa Exemptions

**Diplomatic row escalates as French president cites imprisonment of Algerian writer.**

French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered the suspension of visa exemptions for holders of Algerian official and diplomatic passports. The move comes in response to escalating tensions between Paris and Algiers, with Macron calling for stronger action against Algeria.  

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister François Bayrou, Macron cited concerns over the imprisonment of Algerian writer Boualem Sansal as justification for his decision. 




## Macron Slams Algeria, Suspends Visa Exemptions

**Diplomatic row escalates as French president cites imprisonment of Algerian writer.**

French President Emm

France suspends visa exemptions for Algerian diplomats amid 

France suspends visa exemptions for Algerian diplomats amid tensions over imprisoned writer

## France Vows to Recognize Palestinian State, Sparking International Debate

**Macron's Announcement Sets Stage for Diplomatic Showdown**

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that France would formally recognize a Palestinian state during an upcoming UN meeting in September. This declaration makes France the most powerful European nation to take such a step, escalating international tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

Over 142 countries now recognize or plan to recognize Palestinian statehood, according to an AFP tally, despite strong opposition from Israel and the United States. 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Macron's decision as “a reckless decision (that) only serves Hamas propaganda.” He further criticized the move on X, stating it "is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th," referring to the Hamas attack on Israel in 2023 that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.

**Israel Expresses Fury, Hamas Welcomes Move**

Macron's announcement immediately drew sharp criticism from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it "a reward for terror" and asserted it poses an "existential threat" to Israel. He warned the decision “risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became,” claiming it would be "a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it.”

Palestinian Authority official Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed France's pledge, stating it "reflects France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state.”  Hamas also hailed Macron’s pledge as a “positive step” and called on other countries to follow suit.


**Gaza Crisis Deepens, Humanitarian Concerns Grow**

The escalating conflict has brought about a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over two million Palestinians facing an increasingly dire situation. Israel denies responsibility for the deepening hunger crisis in Gaza, which the World Health Organization has labeled “man-made” and France blames on an Israeli "blockade." 

Macron stressed that the "urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and rescue the civilian population.” He called for a viable Palestinian state, demilitarized and recognizing Israel, contributing to the security of all in the Middle East.

On the streets of the occupied West Bank, Palestinians expressed hope that other countries would follow France's lead. They view the recognition as a "moral commitment" and a "political victory" for the Palestinian people.


**Path Forward Uncertain, Global Response Evolves**

Macron intends to make his announcement at the UN General Assembly in September. While France would be the most significant European power to recognize a Palestinian state, others have hinted they could follow suit. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that he would discuss efforts to stop the fighting with French and German counterparts on Friday, adding that a ceasefire would “put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state.”


Norway, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have already recognized Palestinian statehood since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict.  Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who has previously expressed strong criticism of Israel's offensive in Gaza, hailed Macron's announcement as "historic" and stressed that "Together, we must protect what Netanyahu is trying to destroy. The two-state solution is the only solution."


Saudi Arabia also welcomed France's move, urging other countries to follow suit. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris called France’s action “the only lasting basis for peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”

The conflict has taken a heavy toll on both sides: 59,587 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in Israel's military campaign in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.  Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.


Macron's announcement sets the stage for a complex diplomatic dance with potential ramifications for the Middle East and beyond. 


## France Vows to Recognize Palestinian State, Sparking International Debate

**Macron's Announcement Sets Stage for Diplomatic Showdown**

French President Emm

Macron says France will recognise State of Palestine, angeri

Macron says France will recognise State of Palestine, angering Israel

## Trump Downplays Macron's Recognition of Palestinian State

**President Calls French Move "Pointless" Despite Appreciating President Macron**

Washington D.C. -  US President Donald Trump weighed in on the decision by French President Emmanuel Macron to formally recognize the State of Palestine, calling it "pointless." 

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said, “He’s a very good guy, I like him, but that statement doesn’t carry weight.” His comments followed Macron's announcement Thursday recognizing the Palestinian state.




## Trump Downplays Macron's Recognition of Palestinian State

**President Calls French Move "Pointless" Despite Appreciating President Macron**

Washington D.C.

#Emmanuel macron

France suspends visa exemptions for Algerian diplomats amid tensions over imprisoned writer

Macron says France will recognise State of Palestine, angering Israel

Trump says French recognition of Palestinian state 'doesn't carry weight'