In a significant diplomatic statement made on Friday, March 21, 2025, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reaffirmed France's opposition to any form of annexation in the occupied West Bank or Gaza Strip. Addressing reporters during a press conference in Dijon, Barrot emphasized that, "France opposes any form of annexation, whether it concerns the West Bank or Gaza," following alarming declarations from Israeli officials regarding potential expansions of territory in Gaza.
The backdrop to Barrot's remarks was a threat issued by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who warned that the Israeli military has been instructed to take control of additional areas in Gaza. Katz articulated that the decision to seize more land in Gaza is aimed at pressing the Hamas movement to release Israeli hostages. During a statement, he said, "I have directed the army to take control of additional areas in Gaza... Whenever Hamas refuses to release the hostages, it will lose more land that will be annexed by Israel," highlighting a strategy that could lead to a deeper entrenchment of Israel's military presence in the Palestinian territories.
The escalating tension marked a shift following a fragile ceasefire that lasted approximately two months, during which residents of Gaza experienced a lull in the violence. Fresh military activities resumed with Israel launching airstrikes on March 19, which have already led to significant casualties. The first day of renewed aerial bombardments reportedly resulted in over 400 Palestinian deaths, showcasing one of the deadliest days since the onset of the recent conflict. The attacks reignited fears among civilians, prompting many to flee from their homes once again.
The European Union also responded firmly against the Israeli calls for annexation, rejecting any moves that would displace residents of the Gaza Strip and affirming that Gaza is part of a future Palestinian state. In a statement, the EU stressed the importance of halting acts of demolition in the region and urged Israel to avoid escalating military operations further.
Despite the international outcry, Katz made it clear that military actions would continue unabated until the hostages are secured. He indicated a plan to move the Gaza border southward to construct a more extensive buffer zone, suggesting that this would involve relocating specific populations within the Gaza Strip. He stated, "As long as Hamas insists on its refusal to release the hostages, the more territory it stands to lose—territory that will be annexed by Israel."
Barrot’s statements reflect France's long-standing advocacy for a two-state solution based on mutual recognition and security guarantees. He articulated the view that true peace in the region requires a balance where both Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist peacefully. In his words, "We have a clear vision of what the region should be. It is a solution based on two states living in peace side by side, with mutual security guarantees. This is the only way to establish lasting peace and stability in the region."
The resumption of hostilities has marked a troubling period for the civilian population of Gaza, who have once again found themselves under severe threat as military operations escalate. Over the past week, the resumption of airstrikes teams with ground military actions have combined to create a dire humanitarian situation.
The situation remains precarious, with both sides entrenched in their positions. While Israel continues to assert its military might to pressure Hamas, international voices, led by nations like France and entities such as the European Union, remain vocal in their appeals for peace and respect for international law. As waves of violence surge and the humanitarian costs mount, many are left wondering if a path toward a peaceful resolution can ever be forged amidst such deep-seated tensions.
With daily reports emerging from the conflict zones, the world watches to see how the situation will unfold further, and whether diplomatic efforts can stave off a larger catastrophe.