France has become the first G7 nation to announce that it will recognize independent Palestinian statehood as Gaza nears the brink of famine.

Israeli leaders issued strong condemnations following Macron's announcement that France would recognize a Palestinian state, warning that the move rewards terrorism and undermines Israel's security.

France will officially recognize the state of Palestine, "true to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East," French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday. "I will make the solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly" in September,

Mr Witkoff is due to meet with senior Israeli and Qatari in an attempt to rescue plans for a 60-day truce, which could see Israel allow more aid for starving Palestinians and the release of Israeli hostages. Here is all we know about the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Israel is reviewing a revised response from Hamas to a proposed ceasefire and hostage release deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Thursday, as Israeli air and ground strikes continued to pound the Gaza Strip.