Israeli settlements threaten Palestinian state: Macron
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Photo: Reuters
Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned on Thursday that the expansion of Israeli settlements posed a serious obstacle to the creation of a Palestinian state and undermined US-led peace initiatives. His remarks came as France hosted Arab and European foreign ministers in Paris to discuss ways of supporting Palestinians following the announcement of a Gaza ceasefire deal.
Macron described the ceasefire as a significant source of hope for the region but warned that the rapid growth of settlements in the occupied West Bank represented a fundamental threat to the Palestinian state.
He argued that the expansion was not only a violation of international law but also a factor that heightened tensions, violence, and instability. According to him, settlement activity directly contradicted both the American peace plan and wider international goals for regional stability, AFP reported.
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas includes the release of Israeli hostages still held by the group. It is widely regarded as a major step toward ending a devastating war that has killed tens of thousands and created a severe humanitarian crisis.
The deal was reached through indirect negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, nearly two years after Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which prompted a relentless retaliatory assault on Gaza.
While European countries have supported the ceasefire efforts led by US President Donald Trump, divisions remain over whether now is the right time to formally recognise a Palestinian state.
Macron had already announced France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood in a September 22 address at the United Nations, following similar moves by Canada, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.
The Paris meeting brought together foreign ministers from five key Arab nations — Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates — alongside European representatives from France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the UK. Turkey and the European Union also took part in the discussions.