France says sanctions against Israel should be through discussions at EU, UN level

​​​​​​​ISTANBUL

A French Foreign Ministry spokesman said that France might consider sanctions against Israel through discussions at European and UN level, during a media briefing Thursday.

“We made a statement yesterday condemning the closure of the Gaza Strip to humanitarian access. All of these are part of France’s traditional position. It is a position that demands, and does not rule out, sanctions, which are possibly under consideration against Israel,” said Christophe Lemoine.

He noted that if France were to impose sanctions on Israel, it would be decided through discussions at the European or UN level.

Lemoine also reiterated his country’s “consistent position” for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine,

“This is a consistent position on France’s part, that the only viable path, in our view, is a political solution based on a two-state solution,” he stated.

He noted that the “clear” and “consistent” position has been previously expressed by French President Emmanuel Macron.

“It’s simply about saying that in order to achieve recognition of the two states, there must, on one hand, be recognition of the Palestinian state. And I think the president has always said that. He has always said that the issue is not taboo. He has always said that this recognition must happen at the appropriate time,” added Lemoine.

He noted that a “political solution” is the only way to guarantee the security of Israel and the rights of Palestinians as well as regional stability, and stressed that once a two-state solution is adopted, governance issues in Palestinian territories would be addressed.

“We remain, in any case, and in a definitive manner, opposed to any forced displacement of the Palestinian population from Gaza which would constitute, as we have already had the opportunity to say, a violation of international law,” said Lemoine.

He added that forced displacement would also be an “obstacle” to the two-state solution.

“The closure of the Gaza Strip clearly creates more than just difficulties. It creates a deeply problematic situation in terms of the delivery of humanitarian aid,” said Lemoine.

Describing the current situation in Gaza as “extremely concerning,” he underlined that France regularly contributes to humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“We very regularly remind Israel to reopen the Gaza Strip. Once again, that is one of its obligations under international law. Passage must be free for humanitarian aid. That is what we say and keep saying to the Israeli authorities,” said Lemoine.

Israel closed Gaza’s crossings since March 2, blocking essential supplies from entering the enclave.

Tel Aviv has killed more than 51,000 Palestinians in the enclave since October 2023, most of them women and children.