Israeli Ambassador Critiques UN Conference on Palestinian Issues Co-Chaired by France

In a recent interview, Joshua Zarka, the Israeli ambassador to France, harshly criticized the UN conference on Palestinian issues co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, describing it as a 'mascarade'—French for masquerade. The conference, aimed at discussing a two-state solution, is currently taking place in New York without the participation of the Israeli government, an absence Zarka characterized as revealing the event’s inherent hypocrisy.

Zarka's comments come in the wake of French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement about recognizing a Palestinian state at the UN in September. Expressing frustration, Zarka asserted that the conference is merely a venue for vague statements that will not lead to constructive outcomes. "It is a terrible war and sometimes we make mistakes," he acknowledged, recognizing that while Israel has its flaws, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza should be primarily attributed to Hamas, which he claims is responsible for diverting aid intended for civilians.

The ambassador emphasized that true progress in peace negotiations requires reforms within the Palestinian Authority, highlighting the need for fostering a culture of peace among Palestinians. While acknowledging France's role as a friendly nation, he maintained that their views diverge significantly on matters related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Zarka’s statements underline the diplomatic tensions as France aligns itself with global calls to address Palestinian rights without Israeli involvement.