Paris: France's Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, asserted that no external entity can influence Paris' stance on the recognition of a Palestinian state. He urged the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to cease the use of brutal force in Gaza and instead prioritize diplomacy and negotiations for a ceasefire.

According to Anadolu Agency, Barrot emphasized France's commitment to a lasting political solution beneficial for both Israeli and Palestinian security during a session at the National Assembly. He reiterated France's intention to collaborate with countries willing to acknowledge Palestine as a state, stressing that the current use of force has not achieved its intended goals, such as securing the release of hostages or disarming Hamas.

Barrot called for a shift from military action to diplomatic efforts, advocating for negotiations leading to a ceasefire and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, along with the release of hostages held by Hamas.

These statements follow criticism from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to recognize a Palestinian state as a unilateral move. Sa'ar argued that such recognition acts as an encouragement for terror and an endorsement for Hamas.