PARIS, Thursday, July 18, 2024 (WAFA) – France Thursday evening expressed dismay at the Knesset’s adoption of a bill rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state.
“We express our dismay at the Knesset’s adoption of a resolution yesterday that rejects the prospect of establishing a Palestinian state, contradicting the resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council,” the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said in a press statement.
“Only the two-state solution can bring a just and lasting peace to both Israelis and Palestinians and guarantee stability in the region,” it added, while reiterating France’s calls “for ending the challenges to this imperative, which is recognized as such by the vast majority of the international community.”
The Ministry also condemned “Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s violations of the status quo on the Haram el-Sharif,” and considered that “These irresponsible actions threaten to further destabilize the region.”
It reaffirmed “the urgent need to implement the two-state solution, with both states living side by side in peace and security. This solution entails the creation of a sovereign, viable, contiguous Palestinian state, as well as a brave and purposeful commitment to peace by Israeli and Palestinian policymakers.”
It reiterated “the need to preserve the historic status quo on the Holy Places in Jerusalem and underscores the importance of Jordan’s specific role in this regard.”
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound Thursday morning to warn against a possible deal with the Palestinian factions in Gaza and calling for more military pressure.
Late on Wednesday, Israel's parliament, the Knesset, overwhelmingly passed a resolution that completely rejects the establishment of a Palestinian state, even as part of a negotiated settlement with Israel.
The bill, which was co-sponsored by Netanyahu's coalition along with right-wing parties in the opposition, was passed by a majority of 68 votes, with only nine parliamentarians voting against it.
"The Knesset [parliament] of Israel firmly opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state west of Jordan," the resolution stated.
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