France is poised to take a major diplomatic step at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Monday, formally recognizing the State of Palestine. The move is expected to deepen tensions with Israel, whose forces have now entered Gaza City in what many describe as the deadliest phase of the conflict with Hamas. French President Emmanuel Macron Friday announced on social media that he had spoken with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas the same day, when he reiterated that France will formally recognize the State of Palestine on Monday. The recognition of a Palestinian state is the best way to isolate Hamas, Macron said in an interview with Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 released Thursday. France's plan backs a demilitarized Palestinian state under a reformed and strengthened Palestinian Authority, with Arab and EU support. Residents in France expressed a stance similar to that of their government. "I would never defend Hamas -- they threw gay people from rooftops, they were killed, tortured. The people of Gaza have suffered under this terrorist organization," said Marcel, a French resident. "We can't allow a genocide, and we can't let inequality continue," said Perrine, another resident. The video shows: Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, Palestine - Date Unknown (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 1. Flag of Palestine Gaza City, Gaza Strip - July 16, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 2. Various of smoke rising following Israeli attacks Gaza Strip - July 27, 2025 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 3. Various of Palestinians walking, carrying humanitarian aid Gaza Strip - July 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 4. Tents, damaged buildings Paris, France - Recent (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 5. SOUNDBITE (French) Marcel, resident (full name not given): "I would never defend Hamas -- they threw gay people from rooftops, they were killed, tortured. The people of Gaza have suffered under this terrorist organization." Gaza City, Gaza Strip - Sept 17, 2025 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 6. Displaced Palestinians leaving city by car with their belongings Paris, France - Recent (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 7. SOUNDBITE (French) Perrine, resident (full name not given): "We can't allow a genocide, and we can't let inequality continue." Paris, France - Date Unknown (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 8. French national flag 9. French national flag on top of Les Invalides Paris, France - April 28, 2024 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 10. Arc de Triomphe, national flag of France 11. Eiffel Tower [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]