France and the United Kingdom must take joint action to enforce international law in Israel and the Palestinian territories, according to a public appeal issued by 102 former French and British ambassadors. Published in the newspaper Le Monde, the Saturday tribune urges both governments to move beyond recognition of a Palestinian state—granted by Paris and London in 2025—and translate their diplomatic commitments into concrete policy measures, such as suspending bilateral military cooperation and trade agreements with Israel.
Diplomatic Push for Sanctions and Suspensions
The cross-Channel group of former diplomats includes high-ranking figures such as Yves Aubin de la Messuzière, former director of North Africa and the Middle East at the French Quai d’Orsay, and Bernard Bajolet, former French ambassador to Algeria and Jordan. The British signatories feature Sir Jeremy Greenstock and Sir Emyr Jones Parry, both former ambassadors to the United Nations, alongside former consul general in Jerusalem Sir Vincent Fean. According to these signatories, Paris and London must act to uphold decisions made by the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Their recommendations explicitly include halting military cooperation and freezing specific commercial accords with Israel to pressure the government over its actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Humanitarian Crisis and Allegations in Gaza and the West Bank
The tribune paints a bleak picture of conditions on the ground, stating that “La Palestine s’efface sous nos yeux,” as cited in the publication. The authors highlight the severe precarity faced by the two million residents of the Gaza Strip, describing a population “parked on 30% of a devastated territory, starving, deprived of medicines and housing.” Furthermore, the former diplomats accuse the Israeli government of systematically compromising the viability of a future Palestinian state. In East Jerusalem and across the West Bank, the text denounces house demolitions and widespread settler violence carried out with what the signatories term the “connivance of the Israeli army and police,” characterizing these actions as ethnic cleansing.
Did you know? France and the United Kingdom officially recognized the State of Palestine in 2025, a diplomatic milestone that these 102 former ambassadors argue has not yet been matched by the practical enforcement measures required under international law.
Condemnation of Hamas and Calls for Palestinian Reunification
While taking a hard line against Israeli government policies, the tribune also condemns the “odious crimes” committed by Hamas in Israel on October 7, 2023. However, the authors argue that “nothing justifies the systematic policy of destruction of Gaza and its population.” Alongside demands directed at European capitals, the signatories call upon Palestinian leadership to ensure that the recognized state remains democratic and respects the rule of law despite ongoing occupation. They advocate for the political, administrative, and economic reunification of Gaza and the West Bank, followed by free and fair elections. Notably, the text does not mention the disarmament of Hamas, which remains a core condition demanded by Israel for any military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
Broader European Tensions Over Cisjordan Expansion
The publication of this tribune coincides with a wider diplomatic friction point between European powers and the Israeli government. Just days prior to the letter’s release, the governments of Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom issued a joint call demanding that Israel put an immediate end to the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who signed the tribune published in Le Monde?
The tribune was signed by 102 former French and British diplomats, including prominent former ambassadors to the United Nations and senior foreign ministry officials such as Bernard Bajolet, Yves Aubin de la Messuzière, Sir Jeremy Greenstock, and Sir Emyr Jones Parry.
What concrete measures are the diplomats requesting?
The signatories are urging France and the United Kingdom to enforce decisions made by international courts by suspending bilateral military cooperation and halting specific commercial agreements with Israel.
Does the tribune address the events of October 7?
Yes, the text explicitly condemns the “odious crimes” committed by Hamas in Israel on October 7, 2023, while maintaining that these acts do not justify the subsequent destruction of Gaza.
What is the position on Hamas disarmament?
The text published by the former diplomats does not mention the disarmament of Hamas, which Israel typically requires as a mandatory condition before withdrawing forces from Gaza.
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