France, Qatar Condemn Gaza Blockade, Demand Cease-Fire and Two-State Solution

France and Qatar have strongly denounced Israel’s ongoing blockade of Gaza, calling it “unacceptable” and a violation of international humanitarian law, in a joint statement issued during their third annual Strategic Dialogue in Paris on Thursday.

French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani condemned the restriction of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave, warning against what they described as the politicization of relief efforts.

“The instrumentalisation of humanitarian assistance for political purposes, the threats of forced displacement, and Israel’s plan to remain in Gaza after the war are unacceptable,” the two officials said in a joint communiqué.

Both countries reiterated their demand for an immediate cease-fire and the release of all hostages. They emphasized the urgent need for a political solution that could offer hope to civilians on all sides and lead to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state.

Barrot praised Qatar’s role in mediation, particularly in helping to negotiate towards a cease-fire in Gaza. The ministers also jointly rejected any attempts to forcibly relocate Gaza’s population, calling such actions a serious breach of international law and a potential trigger for wider regional instability.

The statement welcomed France’s backing of a Gaza reconstruction initiative proposed by the Arab League in March, which aims to rebuild the enclave in accordance with international law and as part of a broader plan for Palestinian statehood.

Looking ahead, the ministers said the upcoming international conference on June 18 — co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia — will be critical in advancing the two-state solution.

“This initiative is the only viable path toward lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, and for the stability of the broader region,” they said.

France and Qatar also endorsed a recent UN General Assembly resolution supporting renewed efforts for a two-state solution and called for a clear, credible roadmap that includes Palestinian sovereignty and full legal control within its future borders.