France rejects displacement of Palestinians, advocates two-state solution – ambassador

AMMAN — French Ambassador to Jordan Alexis Le Cour Grandmaison on Sunday voiced his country's "full rejection" of the displacement of Palestinians and its support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the basis of the two-state solution.

"France opposes any forced displacement of the Palestinian population from Gaza and the West Bank as it would lead to four unacceptable consequences: dangerous violation of the international law, undermining Palestinians' legitimate rights and the two-state solution and threatening the stability of Jordan and Egypt and the entire region," the ambassador said at a press briefing at his residence in Amman.

Citing the same reasons, the ambassador said that France also opposes settlement activities and the annexation of lands in the occupied Palestinian territories. 

"Our position is clear and firm: there is no alternative for the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state in the West  Bank and Gaza, living side by side in peace and security with Israel," Grandmaison said. 

He said that France will continue working with Jordan towards achieving this objective.

The ambassador also said that Paris has received the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement with "big relief", calling on all parties to adhere to the established terms of the agreement—a framework that is firmly believed to be capable of terminating the conflict and lay the groundwork for a political solution. 

With regard to Hamas, the ambassador said that France's position is well-known to all: "Disarming Hamas and giving it no role in governing Gaza."  

Regarding the two-state solution, Grandmaison said, “It is essential to shift from mere declarations to tangible, decisive actions.” 

The ambassador cited President Macron's official visit to Riyadh in late 2024, during which he unveiled plans for a high-level conference, co-chaired with Saudi Arabia, aimed at implementing the two-state framework and establishing a Palestinian state.

 This conference is scheduled to convene in New York in June of the coming year, he said. 

"I want to reiterate that the future of Gaza has to be [decided] within the framework of the future Palestinian state, under the sponsorship of the Palestinian Authority and not under the control of a third country." 

The ambassador also voiced his country's "full commitment" to partnership with Jordan, saying, "Jordan is a country of security and stability, and it is an indispensable partner."

He underlined that France will continue supporting Jordan in facing the economic, political and security challenges it is facing, unilaterally, through the EU and the UN.