Israel/Palestinian Territories (22 May 2023)

France condemns the Israeli authorities’ decision to authorize the establishment of Israeli settlers in Homesh, in the north of the occupied West Bank. This decision is contrary to international law and also contravenes the commitments Israel made at the Aqaba and Sharm el-Sheikh meetings. France calls on the Israeli Government to reverse this decision.

France also expresses its concern following the second provocative visit by the Israeli National Security Minister to the Temple Mount on 21 May. France reiterates the need to maintain the historical status quo over holy sites in Jerusalem and emphasizes the importance of Jordan’s specific role in this regard.

France again calls on all those involved to refrain from any unilateral measures or provocations that are liable to fuel tensions and violence, particularly against civilians. As the [French Foreign] Minister reiterated alongside her German, Jordanian and Egyptian colleagues in Berlin on 11 May, there is an urgent need to restore a credible political outlook for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the basis of a two-State solution, the only solution which can bring about a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Originally published at https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/israel-palestinian-territories/news/2023/article/israel-palestinian-territories-22-may-2023

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