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Palestinians hold mixed views as France prepares to recognize state

Palestinians expressed mixed opinions Friday after French President Emmanuel Macron said he'd recognize a Palestinian state, with enthusiasm mitigated by the world's failure to stem suffering in Gaza.

"We hope it will be implemented, and we hope that most or all countries around the world will follow France's lead in recognizing the Palestinian people's right to an independent state," said Nabil Abdel Razek, a resident of Ramallah, home to the Palestinian Authority.

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Five civilians, three gunmen Killed in 'terrorist' attack in Southeast Iran

Gunmen killed five civilians during a "terrorist attack" on a judiciary building in southeast Iran on Saturday before being killed themselves, state media reported.

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Gaza civil defense says Israeli forces kill 11 people

Gaza's civil defense agency said Israeli operations killed 11 people on Saturday in the Palestinian territory devastated by over 21 months of war.

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Trump says Hamas doesn't want a deal, 'want to die'

U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that Hamas did not want a ceasefire deal in Gaza, after Israel and the United States quit indirect negotiations with the Palestinian militant group.

"It was too bad. Hamas didn't really want to make a deal. I think they want to die," Trump said.

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Netanyahu says Israel, US considering 'alternative options' against Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday said that Hamas was obstructing a deal to released hostages held in Gaza, as indirect negotiations hit a dead end.

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Hamas says US accusations over Gaza deal failure 'run counter' to talks

A Hamas official on Friday accused US envoy Steve Witkoff of distorting reality after he announced Washington's withdrawal from Gaza truce talks and accused the group of blocking a deal.

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Kremlin says Putin-Zelensky meeting in 30 days 'obviously' unlikely

The Kremlin said Friday that it was "obviously" unlikely Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin would meet within 30 days, after Kyiv suggested a leaders summit before the end of August.

"A high-level meeting can and must put a definitive end to the settlement ... Is it possible to go through such a complex process in 30 days? Well, that is obviously unlikely," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters including AFP.

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Iran says right to enrich uranium 'unshakable', ahead of key talks

Iran on Thursday reaffirmed its right to enrich uranium, saying it was "unshakable", on the eve of key talks with European powers threatening to reimpose sanctions.

"Especially after the recent war, it is important for them to understand that the Islamic Republic of Iran's position remains unshakable, and that our uranium enrichment will continue. We will not give up this right of the Iranian people," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency.

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US envoy Witkoff says withdrawing from Gaza talks, considering 'alternative options'

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday announced Washington was joining Israel in pulling negotiators back from Gaza peace talks in the Qatari capital, accusing Hamas of not "acting in good faith."

"We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza," Witkoff posted on social media. "While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith."

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France to recognize State of Palestine in September

France said on Friday that its plan to formally recognize a Palestinian state runs counter to the stance held by Palestinian militant group Hamas.

"Hamas has always ruled out a two-state solution. By recognizing Palestine, France goes against that terrorist organization," Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on X, a day after President Emmanuel Macron said France would recognize Palestinian statehood in September.

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