Paris' stance on Israel, Palestine fuels terrorism in EU — de Gaulle's grandson

France's undiplomatic stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will lead to social rifts in society and the growth of terrorism in Europe, Pierre de Gaulle, grandson of the first president of the Fifth Republic, General Charles de Gaulle, has told TASS on the sidelines the Forum of United Cultures in St. Petersburg.

"I strongly disagree with French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to vote in the UN against the ceasefire along with the US, Britain and Japan. It will not let France participate in any settlement talks in the future. I believe this is a political mistake," he said, calling such an attitude both "undiplomatic and unconstructive."

"To my regret, the French government's position will lead to social rifts in society, especially given the fact that the Arab population is strongly represented in the country, and to an upsurge of terrorism in Europe, an increase in the number of terrorists in Europe," de Gaulle said.

He also pointed to the dubious approach of the French leadership.

At the same time, de Gaulle's grandson stressed that terrorism must be fought, but the Israeli government, he said, "bears the full responsibility for nurturing Hamas."