Media: France considers opening embassy in Palestinian Authority

France is reportedly considering opening an embassy in the Palestinian Authority after formally recognising the Palestinian state in September, according to Channel 12, which cited French diplomatic sources. Among those sources was Ofer Bronstein, advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron on Middle East affairs.

“If this happens, it will be an important diplomatic step that will give additional weight to France's recognition of the Palestinian state,” Bronstein said in an interview with the TV channel. He added that the embassy would likely be located in Ramallah.

Bronstein also noted that establishing a reciprocal Palestinian embassy in Paris and a French embassy in the Palestinian Authority aligns with Israel’s interests, as a stable Palestinian state would contribute to regional stability.

He reiterated President Macron’s earlier statement that the events of October 7 would not have occurred if a Palestinian state had existed, as such a state could have prevented the escalation that led to the attacks.

The potential move comes amid rising tensions between Paris and Tel Aviv in recent weeks. The strain reached a peak during a public exchange of letters between President Macron and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which both leaders levelled sharp accusations at each other.

Netanyahu warned that France's recognition of a Palestinian state could reward Hamas and fuel anti-Semitism, while Macron countered that establishing a Palestinian state is “the only way to truly eliminate Hamas and ensure Israel’s security.”

Bronstein emphasised France’s efforts to prevent further escalation in Gaza. “The war must end, and the hostages must return home. We are trying to prevent Israel from invading Gaza and escalating the situation,” he said. “There is no justification for this from a security or military point of view, and it is not a way to free the hostages. Israel will face very strong resistance from the international community, but we hope that sanctions will not be necessary.”

By Tamilla Hasanova