Latest news with #Jean-NoelBarrot
Kuwait Times
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
France, 14 other countries urge recognition of Palestinian state
Qatar, Saudi, Egypt join call for Hamas to disarm, give up Gaza rule PARIS: France and 14 other Western nations called on countries worldwide to move to recognize a Palestinian state, France's top diplomat said Wednesday. The foreign ministers of 15 countries late Tuesday issued a joint statement following a conference in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at reviving a two-state solution between Zionists and the Palestinians. 'In New York, together with 14 other countries, France is issuing a collective appeal: we express our desire to recognize the State of Palestine and invite those who have not yet done so to join us,' French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot wrote on X. President Emmanuel Macron announced last week he would formally recognize Palestinian statehood in September, provoking strong opposition from Zionist entity and the United States. France is hoping to build a momentum around the formal recognition of a Palestinian state. On Tuesday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UK will formally recognize the State of Palestine in September unless Zionist entity takes various 'substantive steps', including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza. Starmer's move, paired with Paris, would make the two European allies the first G7 nations to do so. In the statement, 15 nations including Spain, Norway, and Finland affirmed their 'unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-state solution.' Nine of the signatories which have not yet recognized the Palestinian state expressed 'the willingness or the positive consideration of their countries' to do so, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Hamas urged to disarm Meanwhile, Arab countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt joined calls for Hamas to disarm and end its rule of Gaza, in a bid to end the devastating war in the Palestinian territory. Seventeen countries plus the European Union and Arab League threw their weight behind a seven-page text agreed at a United Nations conference on reviving the two-state solution for Zionists and the Palestinians. 'In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State,' said the declaration. It followed a call Monday by the Palestinian delegation at the United Nations for both Zionists and Hamas to leave Gaza, allowing the Palestinian Authority to administer the coastal territory. The text also condemned the deadly October 7, 2023 attacks against Zionist entity, something the UN General Assembly has yet to do. France, which co-chaired the conference with Saudi Arabia, called the declaration 'both historic and unprecedented.' 'For the first time, Arab countries and those in the Middle East condemn Hamas, condemn October 7, call for the disarmament of Hamas, call for its exclusion from Palestinian governance, and clearly express their intention to normalize relations with Zionist entity in the future,' said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. The text, co-signed by France, Britain and Canada among other western nations, also called for the possible deployment of foreign forces to stabilize Gaza after the end of hostilities. Zionist entity and its ally the United States did not take part in the meeting. 21 months of war The document was issued at the second day of the conference in New York at which Britain announced it may recognize a Palestinian state in September. For decades, most of the global body's members have supported a two-state solution with Zionist entity and a Palestinian state existing side-by-side. But after more than 21 months of war in Gaza, the ongoing expansion of settlements in the West Bank, and Zionist officials declaring designs to annex occupied territory, it is feared a Palestinian state could become geographically impossible. The current war in Gaza started after the Hamas attacks on Zionist entity, in which more than 1,200 people were killed. Zionist entity responded with large-scale military action that has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and destroyed most infrastructure in the enclave. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the meeting Monday 'the two-state solution is farther than ever before.' In a statement issued late Tuesday, 15 Western nations including France and Spain, affirmed their 'unwavering support to the vision of the two-state solution.' Among the signatories, nine that have not yet recognized a Palestinian state expressed 'willingness or positive consideration of their countries' to do so: Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Portugal, and San Marino.- AFP
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Post and cancel: Gaza student dropped by top French uni over 'hateful' online remarks
LILLE, France: A top French university said Wednesday it cancelled the enrolment of a woman student from Gaza because of her social media posts that the country's interior ministry called "hateful." Screenshots shown on social media indicated the young woman had reposted messages calling for the killing of Jewish people. Israel is seeking to crush the Hamas movement through a devastating offensive in Gaza after the group launched deadly attacks on Israel in 2023. The woman had been offered a place at the Sciences Po Lille university following a recommendation by the French consulate in Jerusalem, the establishment said. Sciences Po Lille said that after consultations with the education ministry and regional authorities it "has decided to cancel this student's planned registration at our establishment." Some of the posts "come into direct contradiction with the values upheld by Sciences Po Lille, which fights against all forms of racism, antisemitism and discrimination, as well as against any type of incitement to hatred, against any population whatsoever," the university added in a post on X. Accounts in the woman's name have been closed. Following the recommendation by French diplomats, the woman initially lived at the home of the university's director while she waited for permanent lodgings, Sciences Po said. French ministers expressed outrage over the case. "A Gazan student making antisemitic remarks has no place in France," said Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who added that he had ordered an internal inquiry. "The screening carried out by the relevant departments of the ministries concerned clearly did not work," he added in a post on X. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said he had demanded the closure of the "hateful" account and ordered local authorities to take legal action. "Hamas propagandists have no place in our country," Retailleau said on X. Brussels Free University (ULB) has meanwhile called on Belgian authorities to intervene in the case of a Gaza researcher stuck in the Palestinian territory because of the conflict. ULB said that Ahmed Alsalibi, 39, has a scholarship for researchers in dangerous situations and a visa and should have been at the university in September 2024. ULB said it had approached the Belgian government to seek help getting Alsalibi out.
The Journal
19 hours ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Ireland joins French-led 'collective appeal' to nations to recognise Palestine
LAST UPDATE | 3 hrs ago IRELAND IS AMONG 15 nations that have called for the world to recognise a Palestinian state and reiterated commitment for a two-state solution. The joint statement of Foreign Ministers was agreed at the High-level International Conference which took place in New York this week. The joint statement expresses the ministers' call for a ceasefire, concern over the high number of civilian casualties and humanitarian situation in Gaza, and calls on countries across the world to recognise the state of Palestine. France's minister for foreign affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, posted the letter to his X account alongside the message: 'In New York, along with 14 other countries, France is launching a collective appeal: we express our desire to recognise the State of Palestine and invite those who have not yet done do to join us.' A New York avec 14 autres pays, la France lance un appel collectif : nous exprimons notre volonté de reconnaître l'Etat de Palestine et invitons ceux qui ne l'ont pas encore fait à nous rejoindre. — Jean-Noël Barrot (@jnbarrot) July 30, 2025 The statement is backed by Ireland, Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, and Spain. All 15 countries have 'already recognised, have expressed or express the willingness or the positive consideration of our countries to recognise the State of Palestine, as an essential step towards the two-State solution'. A New York avec 14 autres pays, la France lance un appel collectif : nous exprimons notre volonté de reconnaître l'Etat de Palestine et invitons ceux qui ne l'ont pas encore fait à nous rejoindre. — Jean-Noël Barrot (@jnbarrot) July 30, 2025 Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris said the effort 'demonstrated there is another way forward'. He added: 'The international community demands an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal and urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza, and is ready to take concrete steps to implement the two-State solution. Advertisement 'Ireland is doubling down on our commitment to achieve a just, lasting peace where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in peace and security. 'We will continue to do all in our power to work for that peace.' Ireland was represented at the Conference by Emer Higgins TD, who described it as a 'decisive moment'. 'Together we demonstrate support for the two State solution as the only viable path to securing lasting peace for Israelis, Palestinians and the wider region,' said Higgins. 'We continue to witness appalling suffering of the civilian population in Gaza, where hunger and death take an increasingly heavy toll. 'Hamas must release the hostages and Israel must allow life-saving aid into Gaza at scale immediately and stop the blockades, bombardment and brutality. 'We need to chart a political pathway to peace and commit to taking concrete steps to achieve this.' Yesterday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the UK would officially recognise the state of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September , unless the Israeli government reaches a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel said it 'rejects' the UK move, arguing it 'constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza'. In a statement, Netanyahu said: 'Starmer rewards Hamas's monstrous terrorism & punishes its victims. A jihadist state on Israel's border TODAY will threaten Britain TOMORROW. 'Appeasement towards jihadist terrorists always fails. It will fail you too. It will not happen.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
At least 16 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks, including 13 aid seekers
Palestinians gather on a coastal path west of Beit Lahia to attempt to get food aid on July 29, 2025, after aid trucks entered the Israel-besieged Gaza Strip from the northern Zikim border crossing. — AFP Listen to article At least 16 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza since dawn, including 13 aid seekers who were shot by Israeli forces near aid centres, according to medical sources. Israel has allowed 109 aid trucks into Gaza, but according to the Gaza media office, most of the supplies were looted amidst the escalating security chaos. Palestinians bring back aid parcels they managed to procure as they walk on a coastal path west of Beit Lahia on July 29, 2025, after aid trucks entered the Israel-besieged Gaza Strip from the northern Zikim border crossing. — AFP The office also reported that four out of six airdrops intended to deliver critical supplies fell into areas under Israeli military control or in neighbourhoods where civilians had already been ordered to evacuate. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, at least 147 people have died of starvation since October 2023, including 88 children. Palestinian State Meanwhile, France, alongside 14 other countries, has issued a collective appeal urging the global community to recognise Palestine as a state. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasised the importance of recognising Palestinian sovereignty amid the ongoing conflict. 'We express our desire to recognise the State of Palestine and invite those who have not yet done so to join us.' A New York avec 14 autres pays, la France lance un appel collectif : nous exprimons notre volonté de reconnaître l'Etat de Palestine et invitons ceux qui ne l'ont pas encore fait à nous rejoindre. — Jean-Noël Barrot (@jnbarrot) July 30, 2025 UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced criticism for setting a September deadline for Israel. US President Donald Trump, have argued that recognising a Palestinian state would reward Hamas. However, British Transport Minister Heidi Alexander rejected these claims, insisting that the focus is on addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza rather than legitimising Hamas. Palestinians climb in the back of a truck on a coastal path west of Beit Lahia after managing to get aid parcels on July 29, 2025, after aid trucks entered the Israel-besieged Gaza Strip from the northern Zikim border crossing. — AFP Meanwhile, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have joined a collective call for Hamas to disarm and relinquish control of Gaza. This appeal was part of a initiative endorsed by 17 nations, the European Union, and the Arab League, made during a United Nations conference aimed at reviving the two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians. The seven-page declaration, co-signed by France, Britain, Canada, and other Western nations, urges Hamas to end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international support ensuring the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. Palestinians gather on a coastal path west of Beit Lahia to attempt to get food aid on July 29, 2025, after aid trucks entered the Israel-besieged Gaza Strip from the northern Zikim border crossing. — AFP Israel's war on Gaza The Israeli army has pursued a brutal offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 60,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
Leaders
a day ago
- Politics
- Leaders
Arab Nations Join Call for Hamas to Disarm, End Gaza Rule
In a significant development, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt on Tuesday joined forces to call for Hamas to disarm and relinquish its control over Gaza, aiming to bring an end to the ongoing war in the Palestinian territory. Seventeen countries, along with the European Union and the Arab League, supported a seven-page declaration at a United Nations (UN) conference focused on reviving the two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians. The declaration stated, 'In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority,' emphasizing the need for international engagement and support to achieve a sovereign and independent Palestinian state. This call followed a request from the Palestinian delegation at the UN for both Israel and Hamas to withdraw from Gaza, allowing the Palestinian Authority to govern the coastal territory. The text also condemned the deadly attacks by Hamas on 7 October, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties. Notably, the UN General Assembly has yet to address these attacks. Potential Recognition of Palestinian Statehood France, which co-chaired the conference with Saudi Arabia, described the declaration as 'both historic and unprecedented.' French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated, 'For the first time, Arab countries and those in the Middle East condemn Hamas, call for its disarmament, and express their intention to normalize relations with Israel in the future.' The declaration, co-signed by France, Britain, and Canada, also proposed the potential deployment of foreign forces to stabilize Gaza after hostilities cease, though Israel and the United States did not participate in the meeting. During the conference, Britain announced its consideration of recognizing a Palestinian state in September. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy indicated that London would proceed with recognition if Israel did not meet specific conditions, including implementing a ceasefire in Gaza and allowing sufficient humanitarian aid. French President Emmanuel Macron recently stated he would formally announce France's recognition of Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly in September. For decades, the majority of UN members have supported a two-state solution, envisioning Israel and a Palestinian state coexisting peacefully. International Support for Two-State Solution However, after more than 21 months of conflict in Gaza, the ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank raises concerns about the feasibility of a Palestinian state. Israeli officials have also expressed intentions to annex occupied territories, further complicating the situation. The current war in Gaza erupted following Hamas's attacks on Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 fatalities. In response, Israel launched extensive military operations that have claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and devastated much of the region's infrastructure. Furthermore, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remarked at the meeting on Monday that 'the two-state solution is farther than ever before.' In a statement issued late Tuesday, 15 Western nations, including France and Spain, reaffirmed their 'unwavering support for the vision of the two-state solution.' Among the signatories, nine countries that have not yet recognized a Palestinian state expressed their willingness to consider doing so, including Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Portugal, and San Marino. Short link : Post Views: 16
