Currently Online 
Domestic outcry over Gaza pushed France towards recognising Palestinian state: analyst
France’s move to recognise Palestinian statehood was partly fueled by growing domestic pressure, according to Jacques Reland, senior research fellow at the Global Policy Institute.
“There’s such an outcry over what’s happening, and he [French President Macron] had to do something,” Reland told Al Jazeera. “The French people are really upset, and not just the Muslim population, all of France,” Reland added. “Anyone with a soul should be at what’s going on in Gaza.”
While Reland acknowledged that France’s voice “is not that important” on its own, its decision on Palestinian statehood could push other influential European states, such as the UK, to move in the same direction, he said.
“The main point is to try to bring other European leaders … it is quite significant,” said Reland.
Protests help.
More of this
Protests for Gaza outside UK PM’s house on Downing Street
People attend a pro-Palestinian protest outside Downing Street, a demonstration featuring the banging of pots and pans to honour the Palestinians killed by Israeli soldiers while queuing for food in Gaza, in London, UK, July 25
Britain’s former Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn attends a pro-Palestinian protest outside Downing Street, in London, UK, July 25
