French Foreign Minister: Gaza is Palestinian Territory and Its Future Does Not Depend on Israel

Catherine Colonna, the French Foreign Minister, stated on Friday that Gaza is Palestinian territory and its future does not depend on Israel, following remarks made two days earlier by two far-right Israeli ministers who called for the resettlement of Gaza's people outside the region. In an interview with CNN, Colonna said, "Determining the future of Gaza, which is Palestinian land, is not up to Israel. We must return to the principle of international law and respect it." She described such statements as "irresponsible" and said they "move us away from a solution," adding that such rhetoric is also against Israel's long-term interests. She emphasized her support for a two-state solution, stating, "Gaza is Palestinian land that wants to be part of the future Palestinian state. We support the two-state solution, which is the only viable option." Colonna added that Gaza and the West Bank should together be part of the future Palestinian state. She also stated that France is committed to avoiding further escalation of the situation by all parties, including in neighboring areas like Lebanon and the Red Sea. She said, "It is the duty of a democratic country like Israel to follow international laws and protect civilians while exercising their rights to self-defense." Colonna remarked, "Civilians are not responsible for crimes and must be protected." The U.S. State Department issued a statement on Tuesday criticizing Israeli far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir for their "suggestion to relocate Palestinians outside Gaza" and called for an immediate halt to irresponsible comments. According to the Times of Israel, a U.S. State Department spokesperson, in an unprecedented statement naming the two Israeli ministers, said, "This rhetoric is provocative and irresponsible." The Israeli government, including the Prime Minister, has repeatedly told us that such statements do not reflect Israeli government policy and that "these remarks must stop immediately." Matthew Miller clarified, "We have been clear that Gaza is Palestinian land and will remain Palestinian land, while Hamas no longer controls its future and no terrorist group can threaten Israel." He added, "This is the future we seek for the interests of Israelis and Palestinians, the Middle East region, and the world." The High Commissioner for Human Rights: The statements by Israeli ministers regarding the "forced relocation" of Gaza residents are concerning. The U.S. condemned the "irresponsible" call by Israeli far-right ministers for the "relocation of Palestinians" from Gaza. Biden's sharp criticism of the management of the war in Gaza: Netanyahu must change his far-right cabinet. Biden expressed concern about the situation of Palestinian civilians in the West Bank.