France has called on the European Union to take a firmer stance in pushing Israel toward a two-state solution, emphasizing the need for concrete actions to support peace in the region. Speaking at the opening of a high-level United Nations conference co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged the European Commission to apply diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel to engage in meaningful political dialogue.

Barrot emphasized the urgency of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a two-state framework, warning that continued Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank poses a serious threat to the viability of a future Palestinian state. He also called on Israel to lift a financial blockade and release €2 billion owed to the Palestinian Authority.

Reaffirming France’s commitment, Barrot announced that Paris will recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September. “This is about supporting the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination amid a worsening humanitarian catastrophe,” he said.

The French minister’s remarks come just days after France pledged to recognize Palestine as a state, amid growing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Reports of starvation and deteriorating living conditions have intensified global calls for action. Notably, former U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the reality of famine in Gaza—contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position.

Despite the urgency, both Israel and the United States declined to participate in the UN gathering. Nonetheless, Barrot and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stressed that U.S. involvement remains critical to achieving lasting peace. Farhan expressed hope that Trump’s engagement could help resolve both the current Gaza crisis and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As the death toll in Gaza climbs and the humanitarian situation worsens, France is positioning itself as a key advocate for renewed diplomatic momentum and a sustainable political solution grounded in the long-standing two-state vision.