France lower expectations for Palestinian state recognition

France lowered expectations of a swift recognition of a Palestinian state on June 6th, with its foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, insisting that such a move must go beyond mere symbolism, Al Monitor via AFP  reported.

While affirming that France remained “determined” to recognise Palestine, Barrot emphasised that the country held a unique duty as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

France plans to co-host a UN conference in New York later this month with Saudi Arabia, focused on advancing a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Observers had speculated that France might use the occasion to formally recognise Palestine, especially as President Emmanuel Macron has voiced growing frustration over Israel’s restrictions on aid to Gaza.

“France could have taken a symbolic decision. But this is not the choice we made because we have a particular responsibility,” Barrot stated. He confirmed that France would not act alone, hinting at the importance of aligning with Gulf Arab allies such as Saudi Arabia, particularly in relation to Israel’s recognition.

While several EU countries, including Ireland, Spain, and Sweden, have already recognised a Palestinian state, others such as Germany argue that doing so gives the wrong message. France has worked closely with the United Kingdom on the issue, with Israel warning the UK and France against Palestinian recognition,  The New Arab and Agencies on May 26th. Both countries have yet to extend formal recognition but continue to support a two-state solution, even as Franco-British ties deepen in the post-Brexit era.

Macron recently expressed hope that the upcoming New York conference would take tangible steps “towards recognising Palestine”. He stated that French recognition should prompt other governments to follow suit and urged those who do not yet recognise Israel to do so.

Barrot also underlined the “absolute necessity” of addressing the disarmament of Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza. Hamas’s October 7th 2023 attack killed 1,218 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. Israel’s response in Gaza has resulted in 54,677 deaths, mostly civilians, according to UN-verified figures from Gaza’s health ministry.

Relations between France and Israel have grown increasingly strained, with Israel accusing Macron of leading a “crusade against the Jewish state” following Macron’s calls for tougher European measures amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Al-Monitor via AFP, France 24, The New Arab and agencies