Go to today's feed

Former Envoys Urge Joint French, UK Action on Palestinian Territories

General6 sourcesAug 22, 2026
FlatRigor 486 sources

The Story

Dozens of former senior French and UK diplomats urged their governments on Saturday to work together to uphold international law in the Palestinian territories. The 102 signatories of a letter published in Le Monde accused Israel of seeking to destroy any prospect of a viable Palestinian state and showing contempt for the law, the rulings of the International Court of Justice and countless UN Security Council resolutions. The letter stated that those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity must be held to account and that joint action by France and the UK is essential given their historic roles in the Middle East and their recognition of a Palestinian state in 2025. The signatories include former British ambassadors to the UN Jeremy Greenstock and Emyr Jones Parry, and former directors for the Middle East at the French foreign ministry Yves Aubin de la Messuziere and Denis Bauchard. The letter was addressed to French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Violence in the West Bank has surged since the Gaza war began following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. France and Britain recently joined other countries in condemning Israeli government tenders for construction in the occupied West Bank. Some signatories also called for measures including trade and arms sales bans to press Israel to accept a Palestinian state, with one letter stating that "Nothing justifies Israel’s systematic policy of destruction of Gaza and its population."

The Spread

What they agree on

  • Dozens of former senior French and UK diplomats urged their governments to act jointly regarding the Palestinian territories.
  • The diplomats accused Israel of seeking to destroy the prospect of a viable Palestinian state.
  • The signatories stated that France and the UK recognized a Palestinian state in 2025.
  • The letter was published in Le Monde.
  • The signatories included former British ambassadors to the UN Jeremy Greenstock and Emyr Jones Parry.

Where they split

  • The Guardian emphasizes calls for measures including trade and arms sales bans, and frames the situation as Israel's 'erasure' of Palestine.
  • The Guardian names French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham as recipients of the letter, while other articles do not specify recipients.
  • The Guardian provides specific numbers for French (52) and British (50) signatories, totaling 102, while other articles state "dozens" or "more than 100" signatories.

Source Perspectives

Left3 sources
Center3 sources