PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Israel’s rapid expansion of settlements poses a grave threat to the establishment of a Palestinian state and undermines the US-led peace initiative in the Middle East. His statement came only hours after the announcement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, as France hosted a high-level conference of Arab and European foreign ministers in Paris to revive the stalled peace process.
Addressing the conference, President Macron described the settlement activity as “unacceptable and in clear violation of international law.” He said such actions not only fuel instability and violence in the region but also directly contradict efforts aimed at achieving a lasting peace through the two-state solution.
This is not merely a political issue it is an existential threat to peace and the dream of a stable Middle East, Macron said, calling the ceasefire agreement a significant moment of hope.
The Paris meeting brought together foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, along with representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and the European Union. The discussions focused on strengthening the Palestinian Authority and ensuring sustained international engagement in Gaza’s reconstruction and governance.
The conference came amid growing divisions within Europe over whether to formally recognize a Palestinian state. Countries such as Portugal, Canada, and the United Kingdom have already declared recognition, while others remain hesitant. Macron, however, reiterated France’s commitment to the two-state solution during his address at the UN General Assembly last month.
Israel reacted sharply to the Paris gathering, with its Foreign Minister Gideon Saar labeling the meeting “unnecessary and counterproductive.” He claimed the discussions were held “behind Israel’s back,” accusing participants of undermining the peace process.
French diplomatic officials defended the meeting, saying it aimed to build international consensus around a sustainable political roadmap. One senior official revealed that participants discussed potential mechanisms for an international stabilization force and administrative assistance in Palestinian territories under a future peace framework.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadefull emphasized the need for tangible steps.The time for statements is over. The time for action has come.
While Germany stopped short of recognizing Palestine, analysts say France is positioning itself as Europe’s leading diplomatic voice on Middle East peace seeking to balance Western alliances with a renewed push for regional stability and justice