France is considering new sanctions targeting individuals and entities involved in the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are widely regarded as illegal under international law. This announcement was made by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot during a visit to the Palestinian territories on Thursday. The potential sanctions are aimed at reinforcing France’s stance on upholding international law and supporting a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Sanctions Regime Against Settlement Expansion
During his visit, Barrot highlighted that France had already played a significant role in establishing the first European sanctions regime aimed at curbing settlement activities. This regime, which targets individuals and entities linked to settlement expansion, has been activated twice before, and France is now working on a third round of sanctions. Barrot emphasized that these settlement activities continue to be illegal under international law and that France remains committed to holding accountable those responsible for facilitating their growth.
“This regime has been activated twice already and we’re working on a third batch of sanctions targeting these activities,” Barrot said in his remarks after meeting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.
The French foreign minister also reiterated France’s unwavering support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, warning that the continued expansion of Israeli settlements jeopardizes the prospects for lasting peace.
Settlement Attacks and Escalating Tensions
Before meeting with Abbas, Barrot visited Al-Bireh, a town near Ramallah, where Israeli settlers had recently set fire to 20 cars, causing significant damage to a nearby building. The incident, which took place in an area where Palestinians were supposed to enjoy civil and security control under the Oslo Accords, was condemned by Barrot.
“These attacks from extremist and violent settlers are not only completely inexcusable, not only contrary to international law, but they weaken the perspective of a two-state solution,” Barrot stated. The French foreign minister expressed concern over the rise in settler violence, which he described as a direct challenge to the peace process.
Local officials, including Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governor Laila Ghannam, expressed their outrage over the settler attacks, lamenting the lack of international intervention. Ghannam called on the international community to pay attention to these escalating incidents, noting that the international community’s silence only emboldens extremist settler actions.
The Path Forward: France’s Role in Middle East Peace
Barrot’s visit to the Palestinian territories underscored France’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause while urging Israel to halt settlement expansion. His remarks highlighted the urgency of preserving the two-state solution, which he argued was vital for ensuring lasting peace for both Israel and Palestine.
In a separate speech in Jerusalem, Barrot also touched on the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical situation. He suggested that the re-election of Donald Trump as U.S. president could offer new opportunities for ending conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, citing Trump’s desire to end prolonged regional conflicts as a possible catalyst for peace.
France’s Commitment to International Law and Peace
France’s push for new sanctions and its vocal opposition to Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank reflects its broader foreign policy objectives in the region. By emphasizing the importance of adhering to international law and pursuing a two-state solution, France is positioning itself as a key advocate for Palestinian rights and regional stability. The international community, led by France, continues to monitor the situation, with hopes of bringing an end to violence and fostering a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
