President Ruto forum

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will recognize Palestine as a state, citing the urgent need to end the war in Gaza and alleviate the humanitarian crisis. The move is set to be formalized at the UN General Assembly in September and comes amid mounting global outrage over conditions in Gaza.

“The urgency today is to end the war in Gaza and to provide aid to the civilian population. Peace is possible. There must be an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. It is also necessary to ensure the demilitarization of Hamas, secure and rebuild Gaza. Finally, it is essential to build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and enable it, by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East. There is no alternative,” the French president wrote Thursday on X.

“In light of the commitments made to me by the president of the Palestinian Authority, I have therefore written to him of my determination to move forward.”

France is the biggest and most powerful European country to recognize Palestine. More than 140 countries recognize a Palestinian state, however, the U.S. is not among them. https://cbsn.ws/3H54R1r

Breaking news: Two-time WWE Hall of Famer and former world champion Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, died Thursday at the age of 71.

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Iran's president injured during Israeli strikes, U.S. intelligence sources say Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was injured during an Israeli strike, sources told CBS News — though it's unclear if he was intentionally targeted.

Hulk Hogan's family issued a statement on the passing of the wrestling legend, saying they "take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched."