The leaders of Britain, France and Germany demanded Israel allow unrestricted aid into Gaza to end a “humanitarian catastrophe," after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country will become the first major Western power to recognize a Palestinian state.

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.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that his country will soon recognize a Palestinian state, a decision that Israel condemned. The news came as talks seeking a ceasefire in Gaza were halted when the U.