Ankara:French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Tuesday denounced the violence by 'extremist settlers' against Palestinians in the West Bank as 'unprecedented.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Barrot highlighted that the illegal settlement activity in the West Bank is leading to an unparalleled escalation of violence against Palestinians, posing a threat not only to Palestinian security but also to Israel and regional stability.

Barrot announced that France, along with the UK, Canada, Spain, and eight other countries, has decided to ban trade in goods originating from Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law as of September 8. He underscored the necessity of holding legislative and presidential elections in Palestine to enable the Palestinian leadership to represent its people with renewed legitimacy, which is essential for maintaining the two-state solution.

He stated that legislative elections are set for November 28, with presidential elections planned for the first quarter of 2027. Barrot requested the deployment of an EU election observation mission and welcomed the announcement by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas regarding the establishment of the mission. France, he insisted, would strongly oppose any delay in the elections.

Barrot condemned any attempts to deprive the Palestinian people of their right to choose their leaders, describing it as a 'pure scandal' and affirming France's commitment to ensuring the elections occur as planned. He emphasized the importance of free and democratic elections as a means for a people to express their self-determination.

He also commented on the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, noting that conditions in the West Bank are equally serious. Barrot confirmed France's continued efforts to support a political path towards a two-state solution, including initiatives like the second Paris Appeal launched on June 12 with Israeli and Palestinian representatives.