France Says Two-State Solution Has No Alternative
France has firmly reiterated its support for a two-state solution to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict. Speaking at a United Nations conference in New York, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that the only way to meet the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians is through the creation of two independent states living side by side in peace.
Barrot said, “There is no alternative,” emphasizing that continued violence and unilateral actions would only push peace further out of reach.
France Plans to Recognize Palestinian State
France also confirmed that it would recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming UN General Assembly session in September. This move would make France the first G7 nation to formally recognize Palestine. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to make the official declaration during the session. The decision is being seen as a major diplomatic shift, aimed at reviving long-stalled peace negotiations.
Several other European countries have indicated support for similar recognition efforts, signaling growing momentum for the Palestinian cause on the global stage.
Calls for International Pressure on Israel
In his remarks, Barrot urged the European Union and other global actors to press Israel to halt settlement expansion in the West Bank and to lift financial restrictions placed on the Palestinian Authority. He also demanded free and secure humanitarian access to Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has worsened over the last several months.
The French minister’s speech included a call for renewed talks between both sides under international supervision, warning that the window for peaceful resolution is closing.
Global Backing for France’s Initiative
The conference drew support from UN officials, Arab League representatives, and other global leaders who echoed the need for a viable path forward. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that continued annexation and destruction in Gaza threaten the possibility of a peaceful solution and could lead to a deeper regional crisis.
France’s push is being viewed as an attempt to break the current diplomatic impasse and steer international attention back toward a lasting political settlement.
