France: The Possibility of a Palestinian State Was Never as Necessary as It Is Today

The French Foreign Minister, Jean Noël Baro, announced that other European countries will confirm their intention to recognize the Palestinian state during a conference organized by the United Nations on Monday and Tuesday in New York, following France's commitment to declare this recognition in September.


Baro said in an interview with the weekly "Le Journal du Dimanche" that the possibility of a Palestinian state was never as necessary as it is today.
He also emphasized that France condemns the destruction of Gaza and the rampant Israeli settlement in the West Bank, which undermines the concept of geographical contiguity and the international community's inertia.
He believed that it is illusory to think that a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the surrender of the movement can be achieved without first outlining a political horizon.
He confirmed that along with Saudi Arabia, a key player in the region, his country will present a shared vision for post-war reconstruction, security, and governance in Gaza, thereby paving the way for a two-state solution.
This comes after French President Emmanuel Macron announced last Thursday that France would officially recognize the state of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September.
In a letter addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, he stated that France "will mobilize all those who wish to participate in the initiative among its international partners".
In response, Israel hastened to criticize the decision, considering it a "reward for terrorism" and viewing it as a "stain on France's history".