Senior French official downplays planned UN conference’s focus on Palestinian state

The United Nations conference to be hosted by France and Saudi Arabia later this month is aimed at achieving “a ceasefire enabling the release of all hostages, the disarmament of Hamas and setting a stage in the Gaza Strip for the day after,” says a senior French official who is currently in Israel to meet with Israeli counterparts.

“And for that to happen, we agree that we need additional pressure on Hamas,” says the official.

French recognition of a Palestinian state, a move under serious consideration by French President Emmanuel Macron, is “a matter that will be dealt with separately from the outcome of the June conference,” says a second official.

However, the overarching goal is to rally support for a two-state solution, alongside regional integration of Israel.

“What we are aiming to do is to create a political framework in which the two-state solution is a central piece,” says the senior visiting official, adding that the outcome of the conference will not be a UN resolution, but will be instead a vision document that UN member states can sign on to.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has dismissed France’s potential upcoming recognition of a Palestinian state, calling the move “revolting” while Israel fights Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

“What we are trying to do is contribute to relaunch a positive and lasting political dynamic to ensure peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians,” says the senior French official. “We are not overpassing the US. We are engaging with the US ahead of the conference.”

Nor is France trying to exclude Israel, says the senior official.

Israel’s criticism has grown increasingly strident of late, with the Foreign Ministry accusing Macron of a “crusade” against the Jewish state.

“We are having a discussion with Israel on the content of this vision. The purpose of our visit is to try and comprehend what is Israel’s vision for the day after and for the future.”