Macron’s Israel move divides G7, Starmer wobbles as Meloni lists unexpected condition for Palestine

A major G7 split is unfolding after French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed France will recognise Palestine at the UN this September. Macron’s move makes France the first G7 country to back Palestinian statehood—drawing swift backlash. Italy’s Giorgia Meloni called it “counterproductive,” demanding a real state before recognition. Israel slammed the move as “a gift to terror,” while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it “reckless.” As Macron aligns with global South sentiment, allies like Meloni, Netanyahu, and Rubio are sounding alarms.