French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has declared that France is “determined to recognize the State of Palestine.”
In remarks to the French channel LCI regarding his assessment of developments in the Middle East, Barrot highlighted the “killing of 500 Palestinians and the injury of around 4,000 others during food distribution in Gaza last May.”
He described the loss of Palestinian lives in Gaza during food distribution as “a disgrace and an affront to human dignity,” affirming that “France and Europe are ready to contribute to ensuring food distribution (in Gaza).”
Beyond the supervision of the United Nations and international organizations, the Israeli occupation, with American support, has implemented a plan since May 27 to distribute limited aid. The Israeli army fires on Palestinians lining up to receive the aid, forcing them to choose between starving to death or being shot.
According to Palestinian medical sources, the death toll of those martyred while trying to obtain aid near distribution centers since May 27 has reached around 549, with more than 4,066 injured.
Barrot stressed that there is no justification for the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza, saying, “We are determined to recognize the State of Palestine; this will happen within a joint effort that encourages all parties to create the conditions for the establishment of this state.”
On May 22, 2024, Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced their official recognition of the State of Palestine, effective May 28.
Prior to this development, eight EU member states had recognized the State of Palestine: Bulgaria, Poland, Czechia, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, the Greek Cypriot Administration, and Sweden.
