France, Sept. 20 -- A group of 20 leading figures from the world of Jewish culture and religion in France have called on the French president Emmanuel Macron to ensure that France's recognition of a Palestinian state be made conditional on the release of hostages in Gaza and the dismantling of Hamas.

Macron is preparing to recognise a Palestinian state on Monday at the United Nations General Assembly in New York - a move that has won the backing of countries including Canada, Australia and Belgium..

In an open letter to the French newspaper Le Figaro, film stars such as Charlotte Gainsbourg and Yvan Attal as well as cartoonist Joann Sfar and TV presenter Arthur urge Macron to be categorical about his terms.

"We solemnly ask you to affi...