France Urges Immediate Ceasefire and Political Initiatives in Gaza Conflict
France calls for a ceasefire and political solution in the Gaza conflict, condemning humanitarian crises and supporting sanctions against extremist settlers.
Key Points
- • France calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
- • President Macron states there is no military solution to the conflict.
- • France imposes sanctions against extremist Israeli settlers.
- • Collaborating with Saudi Arabia to promote a two-state solution.
France is intensifying its diplomatic efforts regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, advocating for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. This call was strongly reiterated during a recent United Nations Security Council meeting by France's Permanent Representative, Jérôme Bonnafont, who emphasized that there is no viable military solution to the conflict.
Bonnafont condemned the severe humanitarian conditions resulting from Israel's blockade, asserting that humanitarian aid must be delivered in accordance with international humanitarian law and without political entanglement. He highlighted the inadequacies of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's current strategies in providing necessary assistance to the population affected by the violence.
In addition to humanitarian concerns, France is firmly opposed to the escalation of Israeli colonization in the West Bank, which Bonnafont described as a substantial barrier to peace. He underscored that the rise in such activities directly undermines the potential for a viable Palestinian state and raises tensions in the region, referencing clashes that have led to Palestinian casualties due to violence from extremist settlers. In response, France has imposed 59 sanctions targeting individuals involved in such violent actions against Palestinians.
Further strengthening its position, France is collaborating with Saudi Arabia to revive a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, aiming for a two-state solution that addresses the aspirations of both peoples. Bonnafont noted the organization of a conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, although it has been temporarily suspended due to logistical challenges. Despite this setback, the initiative seeks to promote peace initiatives, including recognizing Palestine, normalizing Israeli-Palestinian relations, and regional integration, alongside disarmament of Hamas and reforming Palestinian governance.
“In the current context, our commitment to advancing peace and security is unwavering,” Bonnafont concluded, reaffirming France's dedication to facilitating a peaceful resolution to the conflict.