French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that France remains firmly committed to the two-state vision as the only path to sustainable peace between Israel and the Palestinians. He stressed that there were no double standards in French policy towards the Middle East and that only a political solution could end the conflict, Reuters quoted him as saying.
His statement, made during a visit to Indonesia, comes amid growing diplomatic signals that Macron is considering formally recognizing a Palestinian state - a step that could provoke a sharp reaction from Israel and deepen disagreements among Western allies.
"Only a political solution can restore peace and create the basis for long-term stability," Macron stressed.
He also announced that France and Saudi Arabia would soon organize an international conference on Gaza in New York, with the aim of giving new impetus to the recognition of two states - both a Palestinian state and the state of Israel with its right to live in peace and security in the region.
The French president's words come at a sensitive moment, when a number of countries in Europe are discussing possible recognition of Palestine, while tensions in the region remain high and the humanitarian situation in Gaza critical.
We recall that Israel has warned that it may respond by annexing parts of the West Bank if key European countries unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state.