Paris: In a joint letter on Tuesday, 34 former ambassadors urged France to take the initiative again in the Middle East, the French daily Le Monde reported. "It is time for France to take the initiative again on this issue, ten years after Sweden recognized the State of Palestine, and one year after Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Norway," ambassadors wrote in the letter. They noted that skepticism or hostility from various international actors, along with "prioritization of interests and alliances," threatens the respect for international law, which was "once" France's "diplomatic compass."
According to Anadolu Agency, the ambassadors emphasized that France's legalist position on Iraq in 2003 is mirrored in its stance on Ukraine but is lacking in the Middle East, where allegations of "double standards" are prevalent. This shift in diplomacy, they argued, undermines France's image as an "independent" and "fair" nation, making its diplomatic efforts appear "less credible" compared to other European countries with "more advanced" positions.
The ambassadors also addressed France's response to recent conflicts, stating that although they condemned the terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, it could not justify the "ethnic cleansing" of Palestinians. They criticized France for expressing concern only belatedly over the rising number of Palestinian civilian casualties in Gaza due to destructive operations.
The diplomats explained that France's reluctance to denounce abuses was "partly" due to its desire to remain an "interlocutor" for Israel and the US, even as those nations showed "little regard" for France, with instances of "insults or accusations of antisemitism." They highlighted that Israel's actions, including incursions into Syria and Lebanon and statements about Greater Israel, threaten its own security and that of the region by denying Palestinian self-determination.
The ambassadors warned against remaining passive as Israel continues its war on Gaza, finding President Emmanuel Macron's recognition of the Palestinian state "timely" but "insufficient" given the current disregard for international law. They stressed that Israel's challenges to international law carry "heavy long-term consequences" for global peace and the status of countries like France.
The letter called for an immediate end to the war, the release of hostages, a halt to settlement activities, urgent aid delivery by UNRWA, suspension of the EU-Israel agreement and arms supplies, and international press access to Gaza. They also demanded actions against Israeli officials accused of supporting atrocities, including banning them from French territory, welcoming Gaza victims, prosecuting French nationals involved in abuses, and dropping charges against critics of Israeli policy not linked to terrorism or antisemitism.
Israel is facing increasing condemnation for its actions in Gaza, where it has reportedly killed nearly 61,600 people since October 2023. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.