France Calls on the EU to Pressure Israel for a Two-State Solution Amid Gaza Conflict
France is stepping up its diplomatic game, pushing the European Union to put real pressure on Israel to accept a two-state solution with the Palestinians. This comes as the deadly conflict in Gaza intensifies, and the world watches with growing alarm. Just days after France made a bold move to recognize Palestine as a state, French officials are making it clear they want more concrete action to bring peace to this decades-long struggle.
The Stakes Are High at the UN
On Monday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot spoke at a high-profile United Nations meeting focused on reviving the two-state solution—the idea that Israel and a future Palestinian state can coexist side-by-side in peace and security. The meeting, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, was originally scheduled for June but got postponed and scaled down to the ministerial level. Still, it attracted representatives from 125 countries, including 50 ministers.
Interestingly, Israel and its closest ally, the United States, chose not to participate. Barrot acknowledged their absence but emphasized that the global community remains united in pushing for a political solution, one that has been elusive for far too long.
“The European Commission, on behalf of the EU, has to express its expectations and show the means that we can incentivize the Israeli government to hear this appeal,” Barrot said, driving home the need for tangible actions—not just words.
Key Issues on the Table
At the heart of the talks are several urgent demands from France and the EU:
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Lift the Financial Blockade: Barrot urged Israel to release roughly 2 billion euros owed to the Palestinian Authority. This financial strain cripples the Palestinian government's ability to function and provide for its people.
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Stop West Bank Settlements: The ongoing construction of settlements threatens the territorial integrity of any future Palestinian state. It's a key obstacle to peace.
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End the Militarized Food Delivery System in Gaza: The Israeli-backed U.S. Gaza Humanitarian Foundation currently oversees food deliveries that Barrot claims have led to hundreds of deaths. This "militarized" system must be replaced with one that prioritizes humanitarian aid without risking lives.
Dubravka Šuica, the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, backed these points during the meeting. She highlighted that the EU is considering new sanctions and called it “imperative” that Israel transfer the money it owes Palestinians and allow food and aid to flow freely into Gaza.
She also reminded the gathering that the EU has been a long-term partner in Palestinian reform efforts, citing the recent announcement of presidential and general elections planned within the next year across Palestinian territories. To keep the Palestinian Authority afloat, the EU has committed 161.6 billion euros over the next three years.
The U.S. and Israel Push Back
Not surprisingly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the two-state solution on grounds of nationalism and security. The United States echoed this stance. In fact, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce slammed the conference as “unproductive and ill-timed,” refusing U.S. participation.
“The United States will not participate in this insult but will continue to lead real-world efforts to end the fighting and deliver a permanent peace,” Bruce said, emphasizing that their focus remains on “serious diplomacy,” not what she called “stage-managed conferences designed to manufacture the appearance of relevance.”
This diplomatic cold shoulder from the U.S. and Israel highlights the deep divisions and makes France’s push all the more challenging.
France’s Bold Move to Recognize Palestine
Ahead of the conference, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a significant symbolic gesture: France will officially recognize Palestine as a state at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly in September.
While largely symbolic, this move marks France as the largest Western power—and the only Group of Seven nation—to formally recognize Palestine. Macron’s announcement aims to ramp up diplomatic pressure on Israel and possibly encourage other countries to follow suit. Already, over 140 countries recognize Palestine, including several in Europe.
At the conference opening, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa made a passionate appeal for the rest of the world to do the same.
“The path to peace begins by recognizing the state of Palestine and preserving it from destruction,” he said.
Normalization Talks Tied to Palestinian Statehood
Another hot topic at the conference was normalization—the idea of Arab states establishing formal relations with Israel. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan delivered a clear message: normalization can only happen if a Palestinian state is established first.
This stance directly ties regional diplomacy to progress on the Palestinian issue, underscoring that peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors cannot be fully realized without resolving the Palestinian question.
A Rare Moment of U.S. Sympathy?
In an unexpected twist amid escalating tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump called for increased aid to Palestinians on Monday. This is a rare divergence from Netanyahu’s position, who has repeatedly denied that starvation is occurring in Gaza.
Both Barrot and Prince Faisal acknowledged that the U.S. remains a key player in any path forward. They credited Trump’s intervention earlier in the year for brokering the only ceasefire in the 21-month Gaza war so far.
“I am firmly in the belief that Trump’s engagement can be a catalyst for an end to the immediate crisis in Gaza and potentially a resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the long term,” Prince Faisal said.
Why This Matters: Key Takeaways
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France is leading a renewed international push for a two-state solution, signaling frustration with the ongoing stalemate and violence.
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The EU is being called upon to use its financial and political clout to influence Israel, including sanction possibilities and releasing withheld funds to Palestinians.
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Israel and the U.S. are resisting these efforts, rejecting the two-state framework and dismissing diplomatic initiatives seen as unfavorable.
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France’s decision to recognize Palestine marks a significant diplomatic milestone that could inspire other nations and shift international dynamics.
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Normalization between Israel and Arab states is directly linked to progress on Palestinian statehood, making the peace process a regional issue.
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The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire, with debates over aid delivery and accusations of a militarized system causing harm.
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The U.S. continues to be a pivotal player, despite mixed signals and a complicated relationship with both sides.
The Road Ahead
With global condemnation of the war in Gaza reaching a fever pitch, the stakes could not be higher. France’s diplomatic gamble aims to break the deadlock but faces significant resistance. The absence of Israel and the U.S. at the U.N. conference underscores the deep divisions that still plague peace efforts.
However, the sheer number of countries backing the two-state solution and demanding action suggests that international pressure is mounting. Whether this momentum can translate into meaningful change remains to be seen, but the call for peace—and the recognition of Palestinian statehood—is louder than ever.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether diplomacy can turn the tide on this enduring conflict or if violence will continue to claim more lives and harden divisions.
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