The UN's Special Rapporteur on Palestine has told FRANCE 24 that France's recognition of a Palestinian state marks a real shift in European policy. Francesca Albanese points out that only a few European countries have now not recognised the state. However, she also said she is concerned that the recognition distracts attention "from what is needed" amid the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Albanese adds that "we cannot use Hamas as an excuse to hijack the Palestinians' self-determination". She spoke to us in Perspective.