European leaders engage in urgent talks over the intensifying hunger crisis in Gaza, sparked by France's unexpected recognition of a Palestinian state. With ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns,

Experts say President Emmanuel Macron’s decision could pressure other European countries to follow and may lead Hamas to take a harder line in ceasefire talks.

France defended its decision to recognise Palestinian statehood amid domestic and international criticism on Friday, including against the charge that the move plays into the hands of militant group Hamas.