Responding to reprimand, French embassy expresses support for ‘democratic, demilitarized Palestinian state’

After France’s deputy ambassador was summoned for a reprimand, France’s embassy says that Paris’s intention to recognize a state of Palestine is “consistent with France’s long-standing position based on a two-state solution, living side by side in peace and security.”

“It expresses France’s desire to advance the process without further delay, in light of the unjustifiable humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the unacceptable escalation of violence, settlement expansion and annexation threats in the West Bank,” says the embassy.

The French statement adds that the aim is to “leverage the decision regarding sovereignty to initiate a process that will lead to a clear and unequivocal condemnation of terrorism, with no ambiguity regarding the massacre carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023, paving the way for the complete disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a democratic, demilitarized Palestinian state that implements the commitments it has undertaken regarding internal reforms and the fight against radicalization.”

France adds that Israel will always be a “top-tier partner,” and that dialogue on key international issues, especially Iran, will continue.