France, Qatar slam Israel’s Gaza blockade as 'unacceptable' in strategic dialogue
'Instrumentalisation of humanitarian assistance for political purposes, the threats of forced displacement, and Israel’s plan to remain in Gaza after the war are unacceptable,' says joint statement
A view of a damaged building in the Iranian capital, Tehran, following an Israeli attack, on June 13, 2025.
ISTANBUL
France and Qatar on Thursday condemned Israel's ongoing blockade of Gaza and called for the immediate and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave.
French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said Israel’s restrictions on aid access to Gaza “are totally deplorable and violate international humanitarian law."
“The instrumentalisation of humanitarian assistance for political purposes, the threats of forced displacement, and Israel’s plan to remain in Gaza after the war are unacceptable,” they said in a joint statement after the third annual France-Qatar Strategic Dialogue held in Paris.
They reiterated their call for a cease-fire and the release of all hostages, stressing the need for a political solution that would offer “the best source of hope for victims on all sides” and pave the way for a two-state solution.
Barrot expressed his country’s “deep gratitude to Qatar for all its mediation efforts, particularly in securing an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.”
France and Qatar also reaffirmed their rejection of any forced displacement of Gaza’s population, warning it would constitute "a serious violation of international law and a major destabilizing factor for the entire region."
The joint statement welcomed France’s support for the Gaza reconstruction plan proposed by the Arab League in March.
“This plan ensures compliance with international law and preserves Gaza’s future within a future Palestinian state,” it said.
It noted that the upcoming international conference on June 18, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, aims to push forward the two-state solution.
“These efforts are the only way to bring lasting peace and security to both Israelis and Palestinians while safeguarding the stability of the broader region,” they said.
France and Qatar also voiced support for the UN General Assembly’s resolution to relaunch the two-state solution, calling for “a credible roadmap” and affirming that “the future Palestinian state will have full responsibility for the rule of law, including the maintenance of order.”
