France’s Stéphane Sejourne implied that recognition of a Palestinian state must be 'diplomatically useful’.
Ludovic MARIN
Text size
France’s foreign minister on Wednesday accused fellow EU members Spain and Ireland of recognizing a Palestinian state as part of „political posturing” rather than seeking a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday, prompting a furious response from Israel.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the same day he was ready to recognize a Palestinian state, but that such a move „must come at an opportune moment” and should not be based on „emotion.”
Foreign Minister Stéphane Sejourne told senators that France was „in favor of a two-state solution” under which Israel and Palestine would live in peace.
„By definition, the issue of ratification certainly comes into it. But the concern now — which I clearly shared with my Spanish and Irish colleagues — is what happens the day after ratification: how diplomatically effective is it?” he said.
„France is not taking any political stance, it is looking for diplomatic solutions to this crisis,” Sejourne added.
„It is unfortunate that a certain number of European countries prioritize political positioning in the context of the campaign for the European elections, which does not solve anything.”
European Parliament elections are due next week.
„Tell me, what has changed in Spanish recognition in Gaza after a day? Nothing!” Foreign Minister said.
The latest Gaza war was sparked by an unprecedented attack on southern Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, which left 1,189 dead, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
The militants also took 252 hostages, 121 of whom are in Gaza, and the Israeli military says 37 have died.
Israel’s retaliatory strikes have killed at least 36,171 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry said.
The Israeli military says 292 soldiers have been killed in the Gaza military campaign since the ground offensive began on October 27.