Joint statements, communiqués and remarks

Statement of the Foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and The UK on the two-state solution

Statement

September 08th 2026 

1. The Government of Israel’s actions in the West Bank are undermining the possibility of a two-State solution. The situation is rapidly deteriorating amid unprecedented levels of settler violence and settlement expansion, including the unacceptable decision to publish tenders for the E1 settlement project. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the President of France Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney have agreed on the need to take action to prevent further damage.

2. Today, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK confirm their intention to introduce national and/or support European restrictions on trade in goods with settlements which are illegal under international law, or that they are actively considering these and other measures, in accordance with their national procedures. In this regard, the UK, France and Canada welcome the important action already taken by Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway and Belgium and will bring forward national measures to ban trade in settlement goods.

3. Together, we are resolute: the two-state solution must be protected, and we will take action in pursuit of a just and lasting peace, based on the principles enshrined in the New York Declaration adopted one year ago. We firmly oppose actions tantamount to the annexation of Palestinian land and forcible displacement of the Palestinian population.

4. The Government of Israel must immediately halt the expansion of settlements and civilian administrative powers, ensure accountability for settler violence, and investigate allegations against Israeli forces.

5. We recognize Israel’s legitimate security interests and reiterate our condemnation of the Hamas 7 October terrorist attack, the worst antisemitic massacre since the Holocaust. We are clear in our determination to tackle antisemitism wherever it occurs. We are unequivocally committed to the two-state solution, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, that enables Israel and a sovereign, democratic and viable Palestinian state to live side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition within secure and internationally recognised borders.

Israël/Palestine - Remarks by Mr Amichai Chikli, Israeli Government minister

Communiqué

September 07th 2026

On 6 September, Mr Amichai Chikli, an Israeli Government minister, used offensive language to impugn the President of the Republic and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. This language is unacceptable and has no place in the dialogue between States.

Distorting and exploiting for political ends the positions expressed by the French authorities is unbefitting for the memory of the victims of the terrorist attack of 7 October 2023, the worst anti-Semitic massacre since the Shoah.

It is especially shocking because France has always condemned in the clearest terms those barbaric acts, during which more than 50 French nationals lost their lives. It was also following the initiative of France, together with Saudi Arabia, that the United Nations General Assembly adopted on 12 September 2025, by a very large majority of 142 States, the resolution endorsing the New York Declaration, the first United Nations text to condemn the terrorist attacks of 7 October 2023 and call for the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from the governance of Gaza.

On 7 February 2024, France held a national tribute to the French victims of 7 October 2023. M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, went to Israel on 7 October 2024 to honour their memory and show his solidarity with the victims’ families and all Israeli people.

France has always stood by its firm belief that the two-state solution alone is capable of establishing a just, lasting peace that guarantees Israel’s security and regional integration and responds to the Palestinian people’s legitimate aspiration to dignity and freedom. France will tirelessly continue to act with this end in view, in conjunction with all its partners.

Joint statement on the E1 settlement project in the West Bank

Joint statement

August 21st 2026 

Joint statement by the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom on the E1 settlement project in the West Bank.

The Israeli Government’s decision to publish construction tenders for the E1 settlement project is unacceptable. The international community has long opposed this settlement expansion, and has voiced their grave concerns privately and publicly. The E1 settlement will undermine the prospect of the two-state solution by driving a wedge through the West Bank and harming the territorial contiguity of the Palestinian Territories.

International law is clear that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal. This is the position of the international community reaffirmed by the United Nations Security Council.

At a time of grave  instability in the West Bank with unprecedented levels of violence by settlers against civilians, and serious restrictions on the Palestinian economy, this decision is even more concerning.

We urge the Government of Israel to retract these plans immediately and end its expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Not only will they take us further from peace, but they further undermine Israel’s international standing.

Businesses should not consider bidding for construction tenders. They should be aware of legal and reputational consequences including the risk of involving themselves in serious breaches of international law.

We reiterate our commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. We will continue to act in its interest. 

Israel/Palestine – Situation in the West Bank

Statement

August 14th 2026 

France condemns the occupation of Palestinian homes in the West Bank village of Qusra by Israeli settlers, as well as the violence against Palestinian civilians, in the strongest possible terms. It calls on the Israeli authorities to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of these acts.

With settler violence on the rise in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, France calls on the Israeli authorities to take all necessary measures to protect the Palestinian civilian population, as they are required to do under international law.

We reiterate our condemnation of the Israeli settlement policy, which threatens the two-state solution and heightens tensions on the ground.

Israel/Palestine - Situation in the West Bank

Statement

July 27th 2026 

France expresses its deep concern over the violence that has taken place in the West Bank over the past several days, resulting in both Israeli and Palestinian casualties. It offers its condolences to the victims’ families and wishes those injured a speedy recovery.

With the Israeli authorities’ announcement that they were launching a major military operation in the West Bank, France calls on all the parties to show calm and restraint. We remind the Israeli Army of its responsibility to protect civilian populations.

At a time when ongoing settlement activity is exacerbating tensions, and with settler violence on the rise, France reaffirms its support for the two-state solution, the only option for ending the cycle of violence.

Palestine – Organization of legislative and presidential elections

Statement

July 10th 2026 

France welcomes the Palestinian Authority’s publication of a decree setting the official date of Palestinian legislative elections for November 28, 2026, and the holding of presidential elections in early 2027, in line with President Mahmoud Abbas’s pledges to President Macron. 

We call on all the parties to ensure the smooth unfolding of these elections, which must enable the Palestinian people to express themselves democratically via the vote throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories in accordance with international standards 

France, together with its partners, is ready to provide all necessary support for the organization of these elections.

Framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel

Statement

June 27th 2026 

France welcomes the framework agreement between the governments of Lebanon and Israel, brokered by the United States and signed in Washington on Friday.

The agreement should pave the way for the total recovery of Lebanon’s sovereignty within the country’s borders, the establishment of a full monopoly on weapons by the Lebanese State, and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Lebanese territory. It should allow humanitarian access to the areas affected by the war and the return of displaced people.

France is committed to both Israel’s and Lebanon’s security and is involved in peacekeeping in southern Lebanon. It stands ready to contribute to the implementation of this framework agreement and the achievement of all these objectives.

Joint Ministerial Statement on the West Bank

Joint statement

June 09th 2026 

In response to the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, we the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Norway and the United Kingdom, have taken coordinated action to introduce sanctions and other measures to hold extremist settlers accountable for the horrific levels of settler violence against Palestinian civilians.

Extremist violent settlers, with the backing of their supporters, continue to attack Palestinians and abuse their human rights. They use violence to displace Palestinians, destroy property and perpetuate the illegal settlement enterprise, undermining the viability of the State of Palestine and the prospects for peaceful coexistence.

For too long, violent settlers have been able to act with near impunity, and settlement expansion and creation of outposts continue with the support and facilitation of the Government of Israel.  In some cases, settler violence takes place under the protection of Israel’s security forces. We continue to urge the Government of Israel to take action to ensure meaningful accountability for violence in the West Bank. The Government of Israel should ensure every attack is swiftly and thoroughly investigated, take action against the outposts and organisations that allow violence to flourish, and stop the incitement of violence.

We believe that peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians can only be achieved through the implementation of the two-state solution. Together, we will continue to work towards this goal. 

We Australia, Canada, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom have all taken the historic decision to recognise the State of Palestine, reflecting the rights of the Palestinian people and as part of our common efforts to protect the viability of the two-state solution.  Today, we are acting together again in support of the same objectives. 

We stand ready to take more action if the Government of Israel does not take urgent steps to address the situation on the ground.

Joint statement* on humanitarian access in Gaza and the registration law affecting NGOs

*by Austria, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, European Commissioner Lahbib (for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management), France, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland

Statement

June 08th 2026 

We, the signatories listed below, express our profound concern regarding the catastrophic humanitarian situation that persists in Gaza. The aid entering Gaza has remained largely insufficient, both in quantity and in quality, while nearly the entire population depends on life-saving services. 

The recent decision by the Israeli High Court to reject the INGOs’ appeal regarding the registration law is deeply concerning. The registration law will affect and severely limit the INGO’s capacity to respond inside the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East-Jerusalem. We again strongly urge Israel to not implement the registration law in its current form.

INGOs are integral to the humanitarian response, working with Palestinian civil society organizations and the United Nations, to provide a significant share of essential services in sectors such as water, sanitation, and hygiene installations, field hospitals, education, nutrition and demining efforts. These are professional, transparent organizations that play an indispensable role in the delivery of principled humanitarian aid, and are pivotal for early recovery, reconstruction efforts, and implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803. Their work is crucial for the survival and wellbeing of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. 

The registration law for INGOs is part of a broader pattern of restrictive measures. Limited opening and operating hours of border crossings, entry restriction of essential products considered dual use, and other bureaucratic impediments constrain the urgently needed humanitarian response to meet the massive needs on the ground. 

While recognizing the security concerns of the State of Israel, we call on Israel, the occupying power in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law. Humanitarian access is non-negotiable. All internationally recognized humanitarian organizations – the INGOs, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and UN agencies including UNRWA – must be able to carry out their vital work without obstruction. Israel is obliged to ensure and facilitate, without delay, the safe, rapid and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population, and refrain from any action that would impede the delivery of such assistance in any way, including that provided by humanitarian organizations.

Palestine – Local elections in the West Bank and Deir al-Balah

Statement

April 28th 2026 

France welcomes the holding of local elections in the West Bank and in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, and the efforts made by the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian Elections Commission that enabled the ballot to be held in this especially difficult context.

The very fact that the vote went ahead demonstrates that, with the relevant stakeholders’ involvement, democratic expression is possible through the ballot box in Palestine. The way is therefore clear for presidential and legislative elections to be held in the coming months, which will allow the Palestinian people’s democratic will to be fully expressed.

Israel/Palestine – Damaging of a wastewater treatment plant and demolition of a school in the West Bank

Statement

April 28th 2026 

France condemns Israeli settlers’ attack, occupation and damaging of the wastewater treatment plant located in Tayasir in the northern West Bank in Area A that received €18.2 million in funding from the French Development Agency (AFD) and the EU, which left one Palestinian dead. France calls on the Israeli authorities to expel and prosecute those responsible. 

France also condemns Israeli settlers’ bulldozing of a school co-funded by the Crisis and Support Center (CDCS) via the West Bank Protection Consortium. France asks the Israeli government to provide financial compensation for the destruction caused by the settlers. 

These actions are part of the unprecedented acceleration of Israel’s settlement policy and the increasing number of Israeli settler attacks on Palestinian civilians. France calls on the Israeli government to take measures to put an end to this violence immediately.  

France reaffirms its firm opposition to any form of annexation that compromises the possibility of a two-state solution.

Temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon

Statement 

April 16th 2026

France welcomes the US President’s announcement of a 10-day temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. This truce is a necessary and welcome first step in providing respite to the populations following several weeks of deadly conflict in Lebanon and in Israel.

France congratulates the United States on its active efforts, building on the direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington on 14 April. It reaffirms its full support for the Lebanese Government’s brave decision to embark on these historic discussions with Israel, in the primary interest of the Lebanese people.

France now calls on all the parties to abide fully by this ceasefire and refrain from any action liable to jeopardize the truce’s implementation. It calls for discussions between Israel and Lebanon to continue in order to work towards a political solution including Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah’s disarmament and, beyond this, allowing a path of peace and security for the two countries to be mapped out.

France reaffirms its commitment to full respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. It will remain fully mobilized alongside its European, regional and international partners to support the ongoing diplomatic process.

Suspension of WHO medical evacuations from Gaza 

Statement 

April 7th 2026

France expresses its deep concern following the World Health Organization’s announcement that it was suspending its medical evacuations in Gaza following a security incident that killed a WHO contract worker. This incident must be thoroughly investigated.

The evacuation of patients from Gaza is essential to residents, who no longer have access to the medical care they need in the Gaza Strip. These evacuations must resume as swiftly as possible, without endangering humanitarian workers, and they must be stepped up. That includes evacuations to the West Bank.

France reiterates its commitment to the smooth operation of the European Union Border Assistance Mission in Rafah (EUBAM Rafah), which plays a vital role in facilitating the freedom of movement at the Rafah crossing point, with all parties involved acting in compliance with  international law.

France condemns all attacks on humanitarian workers in the strongest possible terms. All parties must guarantee their protection in all circumstances, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Joint Statement of Foreign Ministers of Australia, France, Germany, Italy, New-Zealand and the United Kingdom – Bill expanding application of death penalty in Israel

Joint statement

March 29th 2026

We, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, France, Germany, Italy, New-Zealand and the United Kingdom, express our deep concern about a bill that would significantly expand the possibilities to impose the death penalty in Israel and that could be voted into law next week. We are particularly worried about the de facto discriminatory character of the bill. The adoption of this bill would risk undermining Israel’s commitments with regards to democratic principles.

The death penalty is an inhumane and degrading form of punishment without any deterring effect. This is why we oppose the death penalty, whatever the circumstances around the world. The rejection of the death penalty is a fundamental value that unites us.

We urge the Israeli decision makers in Knesset and Government to abandon these plans.

Israel – M. Jean- Noel Barrot’s conversation with his Israeli counterpart

Communiqué

March 04th 2026

The Minister spoke to his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar. The two ministers discussed the ongoing regional escalation. 

The Minister expressed to his counterpart France’s solidarity with the civilians affected by the Iranian attacks. He condemned the firing of rockets and drones against Israel for which Hezbollah has claimed responsibility, and signalled the need for Lebanese infrastructure and civilians to be protected and for Lebanon’s territorial integrity to be respected.

He signalled the need for de-escalation and a long-term response to the collective security challenges posed by the Iranian regime’s policy: the nuclear programme, the ballistic programme and regional destabilization activities.

Israel/Palestine – Israeli government measures regarding the West Bank

Statement

February 10th 2026

France strongly condemns the Israeli security cabinet’s decisions aimed at expanding Israel’s control over the West Bank, particularly Areas A and B.

These decisions are contrary to international law and represent a dangerous challenge to the Oslo Accords and the Hebron Protocol.

These measures, along with the approval of the E1 project and the publication of a tender for that project, are fueling momentum for annexing the West Bank and as such, represent a serious attack on the two-state solution. At a time when international efforts are focused on implementing phase two of the Gaza peace plan, these decisions are detrimental to current peace efforts and threaten to raise tensions.

We call on Israel to immediately reverse these decisions and reaffirm our strong opposition to any form of annexation. France will remain committed to a just and lasting peace in the region in accordance with Security Council resolutions and the principles set forth in the New York Declaration.

Partial reopening of the Rafah crossing

Statement

February 3rd 2026

France welcomes the partial reopening of the Rafah border crossing in both directions, allowing for the first medical evacuations. We also welcome the redeployment of both the EU Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) and Palestinian Authority personnel, who must be able to fully perform their duties at the crossing in accordance with the terms that were previously agreed upon.

The reopening of the crossing is an important first step in the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan. All efforts must now focus on the massive, unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza through all crossing points, the rebuilding of the enclave and the re-establishment of a political horizon in order to forge a lasting peace. France calls on the parties to abide by their commitments in this regard and deplores the ceasefire violations that have taken place in Gaza in recent days, including the Israeli airstrikes on January 31, which killed numerous civilians. 

France, along with its partners, stands ready to help with the implementation of the peace plan’s next steps and UNSC resolution 2803. We are deploying six members of the National Gendarmerie to the EUBAM mission, whose goal is to provide support for securing the border crossing and for the redeployment of the Palestinian Authority, which is tasked with overseeing operations at the Rafah crossing. We are prepare to increase our contribution through an additional deployment.

Situation of Unrwa

Joint statement

January 28th 2026

We the Foreign Ministers of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom strongly condemn the demolitions by the Israeli authorities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) headquarters in East Jerusalem, on 20 January 2026.

This unprecedented act against a United Nations agency by a UN Member State marks the latest unacceptable move to undermine their ability to operate. We urge the Government of Israel to abide by its international obligations to ensure the protection and inviolability of United Nations premises in accordance with the provisions of the UN General Convention (1946) and the Charter. We call upon the Government of Israel, a member of the United Nations, to halt all demolitions.

We reiterate our full support for UNRWA’s indispensable mission to provide essential services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem. We welcome UNRWA’s commitment to reform and implementation of the recommendations of the Colonna Report to ensure they meet the highest standards on neutrality and integrity. UNRWA is a service provider delivering healthcare and education to millions of Palestinians across the region, particularly in Gaza, and must be able to operate without restrictions. We reiterate our deep concern regarding the application by the Government of Israel of legislation, adopted by the Knesset in October 2024 and strengthened in December 2025, forbidding any contact between Israeli state entities and officials and UNRWA, prohibiting and de facto preventing any UNRWA presence within Israel and in Jerusalem including the supply of electricity, water and gas to properties registered under UNRWA.

Israel agreed to President Trump’s 20-Point Plan, which committed to the entry and distribution of aid into Gaza, led by the UN and Red Crescent and without interference. We call on the Government of Israel to fully abide by its obligations to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip in accordance with international law. Despite the increase in aid entering Gaza, conditions remain dire and supply is inadequate for the needs of the population. Therefore, we call on the Government of Israel to take the following urgent and essential steps:
• allow the expanded, safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and services throughout the whole of Gaza and the West Bank in accordance with international humanitarian law; 
• ensure that international NGOs are able to operate in Gaza, including by lifting restrictive registration requirements; 
• the reopening of all crossing points, including the announced plans to re-open the Rafah crossing in both directions; 
• and lift persistent restrictions on humanitarian goods’ imports, including items considered to have a “dual use” that are essential to humanitarian and early recovery operations.
 

Israel/Palestine – Delivery of humanitarian cargo to Gaza

Communiqué

January 18th 2026

Given the immense humanitarian needs in Gaza, France has decided to dispatch nearly 400 tonnes of food aid. These Nutriset nutritional supplements will improve the health of over 42,000 malnourished Gazan children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years.

This in-kind-aid operation initiated by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs is remarkable in its scale as much as the State/company/UN partnership that made it possible. We thank the stakeholders for their essential cooperation, along with the World Food Programme (WFP), which will take on distribution in Gaza.

This operation is part of the steadfast humanitarian commitment France has made since 7 October 2023, reflected in the delivery of over 1,300 tonnes of humanitarian cargo for civilians, through the United Nations, NGO partners and in-kind contributions.

France reiterates that it is a matter of urgency for Israel to remove all obstacles so that the United Nations and NGOs can go on delivering humanitarian aid independently and impartially throughout the Gaza Strip, in accordance with international humanitarian law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.

The Gaza humanitarian response - Joint Statement of the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom

Joint statement

December 30th 2025

We, the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom express serious concerns about the renewed deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza which remains catastrophic.

As winter draws in, civilians in Gaza are facing appalling conditions with heavy rainfall and temperatures dropping. 1.3 million people still require urgent shelter support. More than half of health facilities are only partially functional and face shortages of essential medical equipment and supplies. The total collapse of sanitation infrastructure has left 740,000 people vulnerable to toxic flooding. On 19 December, the IPC published their latest report which showed that while there has been some improvement since the dire reports of famine in August, the situation remains desperate. The majority of the population (1.6 million people) in the Gaza Strip face high levels of acute food insecurity. Whilst the amount of aid going into Gaza has increased since the ceasefire, the response remains severely constrained by persistent impediments on humanitarian access.

We welcome the important progress that has been made to end the bloodshed in Gaza, secure the release of the hostages and turn the page on two terrible years of conflict. We also call for the remains of the final deceased hostage to be handed over swiftly, and for Hamas to disarm and renounce violence in line with the New York Declaration and UNSCR 2803 endorsing the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.

However, we will not lose focus on the plight of civilians in Gaza. We are therefore calling on the Government of Israel to take the following urgent and essential steps:

Firstly, ensure that international NGOs are able to operate in Gaza in a sustained and predictable way. As 31 December approaches, many established international NGO partners are at risk of being deregistered because of the Government of Israel’s restrictive new requirements. Deregistration could result in the forced closure of INGO operations within 60 days in Gaza and the West Bank. This would have a severe impact on access to essential services including healthcare. 1 in 3 healthcare facilities in Gaza will close if INGOs operations are stopped. INGOs are integral to the humanitarian response and - working with the UN and Palestinian organisations - collectively deliver approximately $1 billion in aid across Palestine each year. Any attempt to stem their ability to operate is unacceptable. Without them, it will be impossible to meet all urgent needs at the scale required.

Secondly, ensure the UN and its partners can continue their vital work. This is essential to ensure the impartial, neutral, and independent delivery of aid throughout the whole of Gaza. This includes UNRWA, which provides essential services, such as healthcare and education, to millions of Palestinian refugees.

Thirdly, lift unreasonable restrictions on imports considered to have a dual use. This includes urgently needed medical and shelter equipment. The restrictions are holding up essential supplies in every sector and preventing the rehabilitation and repair of critical infrastructure.

Finally, open crossings and boost the flows of humanitarian aid into Gaza. We welcome the partial opening of the Allenby crossing, but other corridors for moving goods to Gaza remain closed or severely restricted for humanitarian aid. This includes Rafah, which was noted explicitly in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. Bureaucratic customs processes and extensive screenings are causing delays, while commercial cargo is being allowed in more freely. The target of 4,200 trucks per week, including an allocation of 250 UN trucks per day, should be a floor not a ceiling. These targets should be lifted so we can be sure the vital supplies are getting in at the vast scale needed.

Together, these restrictions limit the capacity for aid to be delivered at the scale needed, in accordance with international humanitarian law, or for repairs to be made to support recovery and reconstruction efforts. We now urge the Government of Israel to remove these humanitarian access constraints, and to deliver and honour the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. This is necessary for an effective humanitarian response, successful recovery and reconstruction and lasting peace and stability.

Israel – Terrorist attack in northern Israel

Statement 

December 26th 2025

France condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s terrorist attack in northern Israel in which two civilians were killed and several people wounded. It extends its condolences to the victims’ families and wishes those injured a speedy recovery.

France reiterates its full solidarity with the people of Israel in the face of terrorism, which nothing can justify. It recalls its unwavering commitment to the security of Israel and the protection of all civilian populations.

Joint Declaration – Approval of the creation of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank

Joint statement

December 24th 2025

We, States of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom condemn the approval by the Israeli security cabinet of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.

We recall that such unilateral actions, as part of a wider intensification of the settlement policies in the West Bank, not only violate international law but also risk fueling instability. They risk undermining the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza amid efforts to progress to phase 2 and harming prospects for long term peace and security across the region.

We recall our clear opposition to any form of annexation and to the expansion of settlement policies, including the approval of the E1 settlement and thousands of new housing units.

We call on Israel to reverse this decision, as well as the expansion of settlements, in line with UNSC Resolution 2334.

We are resolute in our support of Palestinians’ right of self-determination. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the Two-State solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace and security within secure and recognized borders. We reaffirm that there is no alternative to a negotiated two-state solution.

United Nations – Adoption of Security Council resolution 2803 on the Gaza Peace Plan

Joint statement

November 18th 2025

France welcomes the Security Council’s adoption yesterday of resolution 2803, endorsing the Gaza peace plan.

France also welcomes the engagement of the United States and critical efforts by Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, which made it possible to achieve a ceasefire agreement, the release of the hostages and the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza. This resolution contributes to its implementation.

As a permanent member of the Security Council, France played a constructive role in the negotiation of this text. By voting to pass this resolution, France demonstrates its support for the political momentum that currently exists for permanently ending the war in Gaza, providing humanitarian aid on a level that meets people’s needs, preventing the resurgence of violence, restoring safe conditions for the people of Gaza and laying the groundwork for a credible political horizon based on a two-state solution.

This resolution must implemented on the basis of a clear political and legal framework that is consistent with relevant Security Council resolutions, agreed international parameters and the New York Declaration on the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. That framework is based on the respect of international law, international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as well as the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

Israel - Palestine – Advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice

October 23rd 2025

France takes note of the advisory opinion delivered by the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel regarding humanitarian assistance and cooperation with the UN in Palestine. 

France reaffirms its full commitment to international law and to the essential role played by the ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.  

France calls on Israel to fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law, as recalled by the ICJ. France urges Israel to remove any obstacles to the massive, immediate, unhindered delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid so that the populations in Gaza and the West Bank can gain access to essential everyday products and services, namely water, food, clothing, bedding, shelter and fuel, as well as medical supplies and medications. France urges Israel to cooperate with the UN, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). France reaffirms the importance for all parties of fully implementing the ceasefire agreement, including its humanitarian components, in order to meet the needs of the populations in the enclave. 

Israel/Palestine – Armed incidents in the Gaza Strip

Statement

October 15th 2025

France strongly condemns the summary executions perpetrated by Hamas in Gaza in recent days.

With the entry into force of the ceasefire providing the opportunity to relieve Gazans’ suffering after two years of war, the armed incidents that have occurred in the past few days are especially worrying.

France asks all the parties on the ground to refrain from all actions likely to endanger the population, the viability of the ceasefire and access to humanitarian aid. It also recalls that, in accordance with the New York Declaration endorsed by 142 United Nations Member States and with President Trump’s peace plan, Hamas must have no future role in the governance of Gaza and must be disarmed.

Israel/Palestine – Release of hostages

Statement

October 13th 2025

France is deeply relieved following the release this morning of the 20 living Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip, now finally free after more than two years of a cruel ordeal.

Its thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with their families and close friends, who have gone through unbearable anguish and waiting during that time.

France also pays tribute to the memory of the remaining 28 hostages, who died in captivity and whose bodies are still being held. It calls for their remains to be returned immediately to their families, so that they can grieve in a dignified way.

France commends all those who have worked tirelessly for this outcome, particularly the United States and the regional mediators who made it possible for the agreement to be reached.

President Macron will take part in the peace plan’s signing ceremony in Sharm-el-Sheikh today. This ceremony will provide an opportunity to reiterate the need to achieve lasting peace in Gaza, with a view to recreating a horizon of peace after more than two years of war and suffering with the establishment of a two-state solution, the only solution enabling lasting peace to be guaranteed in the region. France supports the full implementation of this plan and is working towards practical contributions for ensuring regional stability and security.

Israel - Commemoration of the October 7 terrorist attacks

Statement 

October 7th 2025

On October 7, 2023, Israel was struck by terrorist attacks of an unprecedented scale and brutality in the worst anti-Semitic massacre since the Holocaust.

These barbaric attacks, which were carried out by Hamas and other affiliated terrorist groups, took the lives of at least 1,219 people and led to the taking of 251 hostages, most of them Israeli civilians. France reiterates its condemnation of the October 7, 2023, attacks. Our country reaffirms its commitment to combatting terrorism and anti-Semitism, wherever they may be found and in whatever form, and reiterates its unwavering commitment to supporting Israel’s security.

On this day of commemorations, France pays homage to the memory of the victims and, in particular, the 51 French citizens who were killed. France expresses its solidarity with their families and loved ones, and with all those whose lives have been shattered by these attacks. France also expresses its support for the French citizens who were held hostage and released after several months of captivity. We likewise pay homage to all the civilian victims, both Israeli and Palestinian, whose lives have been lost since October 7, 2023.

France reiterates its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining 48 hostages. To this end, we call on the parties to fully implement the peace plan that was proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on September 29, 2025, which constitutes an opportunity to secure the release of the hostages and a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

This morning at 10 a.m., the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs held a ceremony to pay homage to all the victims of these attacks, which was presided over by the Minister in Paris and during which a minute of silence was observed throughout the diplomatic network.

Israel/Palestine – Hamas response to the peace plan proposed by President D. J. Trump

Statement 

October 3rd 2025

Hamas response to the peace plan proposed by President Trump is a significant step toward ending the war in Gaza and ensuring the immediate release of all hostages.

France calls upon all parties to implement, without delay, each and every point of the plan, the principles of which are in line with the New York Declaration.

France welcomes the Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish mediators’ efforts, as well as President Trump’s commitment, to achieving peace.

France stands ready to continue working with the United States of America, the Israeli government, the Palestinian Authority and all regional and international partners to help end the crisis in Gaza and rebuild momentum toward lasting peace in the Middle East, on the basis of this plan and the New York Declaration.

Global Sumud and Thousand Madleens Flotillas

Statement 

October 1st 2025

France continues to closely monitor the course of the Global Sumud and Thousand Madleens flotillas toward Gaza and the situation of the French nationals on board.

France reiterates that the safety of our fellow citizens is always a priority. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs is mobilizing all its efforts and is in close contact with its European partners, particularly through its diplomatic and consular network and its Crisis and Support Center.

The Embassy and Consulate of France in Tel Aviv are in constant contact with the relevant Israeli authorities in order to seek consular protection for our fellow citizens as soon as they arrive on Israeli soil, and to ensure their release and their return to France without undue delay.

Israel/Palestine – Peace plan proposed by President D. J. Trump

Statement 

September 29th 2025

France welcomes the plan proposed by President Trump to end the war in Gaza, after intense diplomatic efforts that it conducted with Saudi Arabia during the United Nations General Assembly.

France welcomes the principles put forward by the plan, in line with the New York Declaration adopted on 12 September on France and Saudi Arabia’s initiative, and to which the American proposal refers:

• A permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all the hostages and a massive entry of humanitarian aid under UN supervision;

• The rejection of any annexation and any forced population displacement;

• The disarmament and exclusion of Hamas;

• The establishment of a governance allowing Gaza’s reconstruction, the re-establishment of the Palestinian Authority in the enclave, and an international stabilization mission guaranteeing the security of both Israelis and Palestinians – of which France chaired a prefiguration meeting in New York;

• The relaunch of a political process aimed at establishing a Palestinian State living in peace and security alongside Israel.

France calls on the parties to the conflict in Gaza to take up this plan immediately to end the war and open up once again a horizon of peace and collective security which guarantees the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, the Israeli people’s right to security, and stability and regional integration. It is a decisive moment to enable Israel to regain the support of its partners, including France, to restore with them the strong relations to which we aspire, and to allow the Palestinian people to emerge from despair and violence in order to secure a future free from terrorism, ensuring their legitimate aspirations.

France is ready to work for the implementation of this plan with the United States of America, the Israeli Government, the Palestinian Authority and all the international partners it convened in New York.

Joint statement: offer to assist with treatments of patients from Gaza in the Occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem

Joint statement

September 25th 2025

As the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip continues to unfold, there is an urgent need to scale up medical treatment of patients from Gaza.

We, the undersigned, stand ready to provide support in the form of e.g. financial contributions, provision of medical staff or equipment needed for the treatment of patients from Gaza in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

We strongly appeal to Israel to restore the medical corridor to the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, so medical evacuations from Gaza can be resumed and patients can get the treatment that they so urgently need on Palestinian territory.

We furthermore urge Israel to lift restrictions on deliveries of medicine and medical equipment to Gaza in line with Israel’s obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law; to urgently and fully enable the UN and other humanitarian partners to do their life-saving work in Gaza; and in line with UN Security Council resolution 2286 (2016) to ensure that medical personnel exclusively engaged in medical duties are respected and protected, their safe and unimpeded passage is facilitated, along with their equipment, transport, and supplies.

This statement has been signed by:

• The Foreign Ministers of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom

• The Ministers of Development Cooperation of Finland and the Netherlands

• The EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management.

Global Sumud Flottilla to Gaza

Statement 

September 24th 2025

France is following closely and with great concern the progress of the Global Sumud Flotilla towards Gaza. It condemns any attack at sea and calls for compliance with international law, in particular the law of the sea.

Those taking part in this expedition in support of Gaza have been informed of the risks entailed. As the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs has reiterated, travelling to Gaza is dangerous and strictly discouraged, be it via land or sea. Advice for travellers applies to everyone, including members of Parliament and journalists.

Our compatriots’ safety is a priority at all times. Staff at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs are closely following the situation of our nationals and will fulfil their consular protection duties in order to manage the consequences of this initiative as effectively as possible.

Joint statement on protection of journalists

Joint statement

September 24th 2025

On September 24th, during the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly, France, together with Reporters without Borders (RSF), organized an event dedicated to the situation of journalists in Gaza. At the end of this event, this statement was endorsed by 21 countries.
We met together with representatives of civil society to discuss the protection of journalists in Gaza and access to information.
We pay tribute to the journalists killed and injured in Gaza while carrying out their work.

We reaffirm our commitment to the safety of journalists and media professionals in Gaza and demand that their protection be ensured, in accordance with international humanitarian law. We call on the Israeli authorities to allow journalists who wish to leave the Gaza Strip to do so, and to authorize access for independent foreign media to Gaza.

We recall our commitment to the principles of press freedom and freedom of expression. Safe access to information is essential for journalists and media professionals to be able to do their work. A free and pluralistic press is necessary for the functioning of democracy.

Signed :

• Australia

• Belgium

• Canada

• Chile

• Denmark

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Iceland

• Ireland

• Liechtenstein

• Luxembourg

• Norway

• Qatar

• Slovenia

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• The Netherlands

• The United Kingdom

E3 Foreign Ministers' statement on Israeli strikes in Doha 

Joint statement 

September 15th 2025

We, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, condemn Israel’s strikes in Doha on 9 September, which violate Qatar’s sovereignty and risk further escalation in the region.

Furthermore, such action poses a serious risk to achieving a negotiated deal, which would secure the release of all remaining hostages and end the war in Gaza. The Ministers urge all parties to renew and redouble their efforts to agree on an immediate ceasefire.

We express our solidarity with Qatar and fully support the vital role it continues to play in mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, alongside Egypt and the United States. We call for the parties to exercise restraint and seize the opportunity for peace.

We further underscore that the focus must remain on reaching a permanent ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and flooding Gaza with aid to stop the famine. We urgently call for an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in Gaza City, which are causing mass civilian displacement, civilian casualties and destruction of essential infrastructure. We call for the UN and humanitarian NGOs to be able to work safely and at scale across the entire Strip, including the North.

We reiterate our unequivocal condemnation of the heinous crimes committed by Hamas, a terrorist movement that must immediately and unconditionally release the hostages it is holding, be disarmed, and be permanently excluded from governing the Gaza Strip.

Israel/Palestinian Territories: Adoption by the United Nations of the New York Declaration on the two-state solution and condemnation of Hamas

Statement 

September 12th 2025

France welcomes the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly, by an overwhelming majority of 142 States, of the resolution endorsing the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, prepared by France and Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with our close partners.

This historic vote reflects the will of the international community to commit to implementing an ambitious roadmap for the peace and security of everyone in the region. The Declaration adopted by the General Assembly reflects the unprecedented support from the majority of the international community for such fundamental principles as a call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the creation of a sovereign and viable Palestinian State.

For the first time, a text adopted by the United Nations condemned the attacks committed by Hamas on 7 October 2023 and called for its disarmament and exclusion from the governance of Gaza.

The New York Declaration is the result of work at the United Nations High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which was co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia and took place from 28 to 30 July 2025. This work will be continued in New York on 22 September, with the President of the French Republic present.

Israel/Palestinian Territories – Terrorist attack in Jerusalem

Statement 

September 09th 2025

France condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack that was committed today in Jerusalem’s Ramot neighborhood, which left at least five people dead and over a dozen others injured.

France extends its condolences to the families of the victims and wishes those injured a speedy recovery.

France reaffirms its solidarity with the Israeli people in the face of terrorism and recalls that everyone has the right to live in peace and security.

Israel/Palestinian Territories – Arab League’s support for New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State solution - Statement by the ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs deputy spok

Statement 

September 05th 2025

France welcomes the Arab League states’ unprecedented call to endorse and implement the New York Declaration, adopted following the international conference on the implementation of the two-state solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia on 28 and 29 July.

This call reflects the Arab League States’ desire to commit to the implementation of an ambitious road map for the peace and security of everyone in the region, which requires an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all the hostages, the establishment of a viable, sovereign Palestinian State, the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from Gaza’s governance, normalization between Israel and the Arab countries, and the implementation of collective security guarantees incorporating Israel. We call on all the States to join this road map.