Former French foreign minister calls for recognition of Palestinian statehood

By Silan Turp

Former French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has called on his country to recognize the state of Palestine.

Asked by Sud Radio on Thursday why France doesn't recognize the Palestinian state as Spain plans to do, Le Drian said: "Personally, I think this should be done."

Condemning the violence perpetrated by Israel in the besieged Palestinian territory since last October, the former minister emphasized the need to establish suitable conditions for a cease-fire.

He also called for the release of hostages, and ensuring access to humanitarian aid.

In response to a question about the possibility of genocide in Gaza, Le Drian cautioned that the term "genocide" should be used with great care.

In February, President Emmanuel Macron said recognizing the state of Palestine was "not taboo" for France.

Spain, Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia declared on March 22 that they were ready to recognize the state of Palestine when the "right conditions" arise. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said this summer Madrid could recognize the state of Palestine before the summer.

Israel has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians since an Oct. 7 cross-border incursion by Hamas which claimed 1,200 lives and took around 250 as hostages. The relentless bombardment and a ground invasion have also led to mass displacement, destruction and conditions for famine.

The ongoing war has damaged or destroyed around 62% of all homes in Gaza, according to a Friday statement by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

In a post on X, UNRWA said critical infrastructure, including buildings sheltering displaced families, have been attacked and over 75% of the population has been displaced.

In late 2023 South Africa filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of failing to uphold its commitments under the 1948 Genocide Convention.

The UN court, in its interim January verdict, ruled that South Africa’s claims are plausible. It ordered provisional measures for Israel’s government to desist from genocidal acts, and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

In a March 28 ruling indicating additional measures due to the changing situation on the ground, the top court ordered Israel to ensure "unhindered provision" of urgent aid to Gaza. The ICJ said, “Palestinians in Gaza are no longer facing only a risk of famine ... but that famine is setting in.”

*Writing by Seda Sevencan