France has announced it will recognize the state of Palestine, a move that could shift discussions about the Middle East’s future.

Trump on Friday dismissed Macron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state — a gentler response than sharp condemnation from Marco Rubio and other top Republicans, who blasted the move.

Dozens of pro-Palestinian activists waved flags and unfurled banners on Wednesday as the Tour de France peloton rode through Dieulefit, a southeastern French town honoured as a "Town of the Just" for sheltering Jewish people during World War Two.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will recognize Palestine as a state, amid snowballing global anger over people starving in Gaza.

France will officially recognize the state of Palestine, "true to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East," Emmanuel Macron said.

In a move toward "lasting peace in the Middle East," Macron says, "France will recognize the state of Palestine."

President Donald Trump dismissed France’s recognition of Palestine as a state on Friday, saying it "doesn’t matter" and "doesn’t carry any weight."

Airdrops of food have resumed in Gaza, Israel and the United Arab Emirates said, as deaths from starvation in the besieged enclave spread.