President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced France's long-awaited recognition of a Palestinian state, saying he was acting in the interest of peace amid Israeli and US criticism.

"France today recognizes a State of Palestine," Macron told the UN summit as the Palestinian delegation led an ovation, saying he was supporting "peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples."

However, He reiterated that Paris will not open an embassy until a ceasefire in Gaza and release of all hostages.

"I may be able to decide to establish an embassy in the State of Palestine once all the hostages held in Gaza are freed and a ceasefire is in place," Macron told a UN gathering in New York.

The Palestinian Authority on Monday hailed the formal recognition of a Palestinian state by French President Emma

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