About 140 heads of state and government are expected on Monday, September 22 in New York on Monday, for the UN Annual Mass. The future of the Palestinians and Gaza will be in the center of attention. Almost two years after the start of the Israeli offensive, several countries have planned to formally recognize the Palestinian State, France at the head. And this, despite the Israeli opposition. Emmanuel Macron will become the reference with Saudi Arabia a summit that will analyze the future of the solution of two states, Israeli and Palestinian.
Jean-Paul ChagnollaudHonorary President of the Institute for Mediterranean Research and Studies Middle East (IREMMO), explains the scope of such recognition, the planned consequences and obstacles.
Is the recognition of Palestine by France a historical decision according to you?
“Compared to the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there is something historical. After the first intifada in 1987, states around the world gradually recognized the state of Palestine, with some exceptions. Therefore, the fact that the main states of the West decide to recognize the state of Palestine, together, at the same time, it is in fact a great point of inflection.
West finally recognizes the right to self -determination of the Palestinian people. You have countries, such as Canada or Great Britain, very close to Israel and attached to the US position, which six months ago still far from the idea of recognizing Palestine.
France is in the continuity of its policy. From October 7, 2024, Emmanuel Macron completely diverted from the traditional French position, adopted an almost emotional pro-Israeli position. Then, gradually, he returned to the position of France, which is the defense of international law. France has always considered that it was necessary to guarantee the security of Israel in all circumstances while recognizing the national rights of the Palestinians. Already in 1982, François Mitterrand said that at the “moment” he would take the creation of a Palestinian state. With this recognition, we find our foundations, going even further. It is a very important and new step. “
Specifically, what changes to recognize the state of Palestine?
“This opens a perspective, backed by almost everyone, draws a political path that gives its place to international law, completely breached. More specifically, it means that there will be Palestinian embassies that will be created in different countries, even in France.
It also strengthens the place of Palestine in the United Nations, already recognized since 2012 as a non -member state. On the other hand, Palestine cannot become a complete UN Member State because the admission of a State crosses the Security Council and the United States, the support of Israel, will be venting.
Then, in the immediate future, unfortunately, the situation in the field is probable. Today, war can continue. It is likely that the path I am talking about is blocked for an indefinite time by Israel, but also by the United States. The role of Americans today with Donald Trump is catastrophic. “
What is planned for the future?
“There is a complete process that France has thought of collaboration with Saudi Arabia and with other states. It is not completely finished, but the central idea is to launch a political negotiation process, if the Israelis accepted it, to create a state of Palestine together with a state of Israel in the two years.
The new free and transparent elections, in which Hamas could not participate, should be organized in 18 months in the Gaza Strip so that there is a legitimate Palestinian actor for these negotiations. France insists a lot on the fact that Hamas must be discouraged, that you have to disarm Hamas and make sure that they no longer have the slightest possibility of participating in the future in Palestinian governance. The provisional agency, democratically chosen, would govern Gaza, would benefit from international support and have the means to guarantee security.
The discussion discusses the idea of an international force that could guarantee, during a transition period and after the withdrawal of the Israeli army, security in Gaza. At the moment, it is not very clear, the French are negotiating with each other.
Then, it is very important, the plan also provides that Israel is fully integrated into the region through a normalization of relations with the entire Arab world. It would end these decades scored by wars and violence. But above all, there must be a stop the fire and a withdrawal from the Israeli army of the Gaza Strip. “
What is the Israeli position?
“For at least 25 years, since the failure of Oslo’s agreements, successive governments in Israel have never wanted negotiations because they do not want a state of Palestine. You will not have been Palestinian, this place belongs to us. “In addition, we must recognize Netanyahu his continuity: when for the first time in 1996, he became a minister, he said that Oslo’s agreements were” the problem “,” not the solution. “
Today there is no possibility that there are negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, unless miraculous events take into account the tragedy that takes place in Gaza. And, above all, given the position of the Israeli government, composed of extremists, who do not want these negotiations.
The recognition of the Palestinian State establishes the bases for a project. Now its realization will be difficult. “
Source: BFM TV
