Recognition of Palestine: "The prospect of the existence of the State has never been so threatened," says Jean-Noël Barrot

Following Emmanuel Macron's announcement of the upcoming recognition of the State of Palestine , Jean-Noël Barrot maintains that "the prospect of the existence of a State of Palestine has never been so threatened or so necessary," in an interview given to La Tribune Dimanche .

The Foreign Minister notably deplored "the unjustifiable in Gaza," denouncing the destruction of the Gaza Strip, and "the unacceptable in the West Bank," where "unbridled Israeli colonization is undermining the very idea of territorial continuity."

For the Quai d'Orsay, the two-state solution is the "only one likely to bring peace and stability to the region," continued Jean-Noël Barrot. However, the latter reaffirmed that "the conditions for peace remain unchanged" and once again elaborated on the wishes expressed by Emmanuel Macron.

The minister believes that Hamas must be "disarmed and excluded from any governance of Gaza and Palestine." He claims to have obtained commitments from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. According to the minister, the latter, in a letter to Emmanuel Macron, agreed that the State of Palestine be "demilitarized" and "promised elections excluding Hamas and all terrorist and violent groups."

He added: "By accepting this principle of demilitarization, the Palestinian Authority demonstrates that this state will not pose any threat to Israel's security in the future."

At the same time, Jean-Noël Barrot indicated that he wanted to ensure "the abandonment of any new colonization project in the West Bank" and the "dissolution of the militarized system of humanitarian distribution that has caused bloodbaths in Gaza," two factors that the European Commission "will clarify."

"The colonization of the West Bank is contrary to international law. It jeopardizes Israel's long-term security," he added, affirming that he was holding a "demanding" dialogue with the Israeli government.

Regarding access to humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, the minister deplores commitments that have not yet been fulfilled, despite "initial commitments." However, this Saturday, Israel announced the resumption of humanitarian aid drops to Gaza.

Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan also stated that the UAE will resume airdrops to Gaza "immediately." "The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a critical and unprecedented level. The UAE remains at the forefront of efforts to provide vital assistance to the Palestinian people," he said on X.

The Quai d'Orsay also calls on Israel to end its financial blockade and "pay the sums owed to the Palestinian Authority." "How can we be surprised by the weakness of this Authority when it is deprived of 2 billion," proclaims Jean-Noël Barrot.

France's recognition of the State of Palestine is expected to take place next September at the United Nations General Assembly. Emmanuel Macron's announcement comes as Israel faces growing international pressure to end the suffering of the more than 2 million people in the Palestinian territory, who are subject to a blockade that deprives them of vital humanitarian aid.

A total blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza in March and only partially eased in late May has led to severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. At least 58,895 people, mostly civilians, have been killed, according to data from the Gaza Health Ministry, which the UN considers reliable.

Nearly 150 countries recognize the State of Palestine. In May 2024 , Spain, Ireland, and Norway formalized this move, bringing to 10 the number of European Union members that have granted recognition.

Emmanuel Macron's decision to postpone the official announcement until September has been criticized by some in the political class, particularly on the left. While Jean-Luc Mélenchon hailed it as "a moral victory," the former MP also deplored the fact that "for months this type of behavior has encouraged the continuation of the crime in Gaza."