Israel – Palestinian Territories (3 January 2024)

France condemns remarks by Israel’s finance and national security ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, who have called for the “emigration” of Gaza’s population as well as the reestablishment of settlements in Gaza and the occupation of its land.

We call on Israel to refrain from such provocative statements, which are irresponsible and fuel tensions. France emphasizes that the forced transfer of populations is a serious violation of international law under the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute.

It is not up to the Israeli government to decide where Palestinians should live on their land. The future of the Gaza Strip and its inhabitants lies in a unified Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside Israel.