T he United Kingdom, Germany and France are calling for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza and "unconditional release of all hostages," after the three countries held an emergency call to discuss the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis.

President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France would become the first Western member of the United Nations Security Council to recognise a Palestinian state in September has caused diplomatic ructions from the Middle East through Europe to Washington.

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.

The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy will hold an emergency call on Friday to talk about the deteriorating conditions in Gaza as more than 100 aid groups warn mass starvation is fast approaching,

The breakdown comes at a critical time amid reports of mass starvation in Gaza, while President Macron says France will officially recognise Palestine as a state.

News agencies including AFP, AP, BBC and Reuters issued a joint statement about Gaza journalists unable to feed themselves amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions on Thursday.