Barrow: France Supports the Two-State Solution and Calls for Palestinian Elections

Paris - Afaq News - French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that his country continues to support the two-state solution as the only way to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, calling for Palestinian elections as a basis for renewing the legitimacy of the Palestinian leadership.

In an article published in the Wall Street Journal, Barrot noted that 142 countries voted a year ago in the United Nations General Assembly in favor of the "New York Declaration" regarding the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution.

He added that the declaration condemned the attacks of October 7, 2025, called for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all "hostages," the end of Hamas's control over the Gaza Strip and the surrender of its weapons, in addition to opening a political path that ensures the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Barrot stated that France recognized the State of Palestine in September 2025 and decided to ban the import of products from illegal settlements, emphasizing that these steps are not aimed at punishing Israel or imposing a political solution, but rather come within the framework of supporting regional peace and stability.

The French minister warned that the continuation of the current situation threatens the security of the region, stressing that achieving peace requires a change in course, along with the Palestinians' commitment to "renouncing violence" and undertaking political reforms.

Barrow pointed to the Palestinian Authority's announcement of local elections on November 28, and presidential elections during the first quarter of 2027, saying: "No candidate will be allowed to participate in the elections unless they commit to the fundamental principles of the two-state solution."

He considered that elections represent the primary means of renewing legitimacy and enhancing political accountability.

The French Foreign Minister called on the international community to support the Palestinian electoral process, emphasizing that France will work with its European partners to take practical steps to help ensure its success.