More than 100 British and French diplomats have urged action over Palestine’s “erasure.” In a strongly worded public appeal by diplomats, they called for stronger trade and arms sales bans to pressure Israel to accept a viable Palestinian state.
Diplomats addressed the letter to Macron and Burnham, accusing Israel of ethnic cleansing. Moreover, the diplomats argue that observers increasingly question Israel’s democratic credentials as settlement expansion continues.
Diplomats Demand Stronger Measures
The signatories say Britain and France helped shape the modern Middle East and carry responsibility for promoting equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians. Both countries recognised Palestine as a state in 2025, strengthening the case for coordinated action.
The letter includes 52 French former diplomats and 50 former British ambassadors. Many served in Israel, Egypt, Iran, Bahrain, Syria, Turkey, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
British signatories include former UN envoys Jeremy Greenstock and Emyr Jones Parry, as well as former Foreign Office Middle East director Edward Chaplin. French signatories include former Middle East director Patrice Paoli and former consul general in Jerusalem Stanislas de Laboulaye.
Settlement Expansion Sparks Concern
The appeal follows a statement from Britain, France and nine other countries condemning Israeli construction tenders for 1,200 homes in the E1 settlement area. Officials warned that the project could undermine peace and weaken prospects for a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband called the development a destructive threat and summoned Israel’s chargé d’affaires, Daniela Grudsky Ekstein. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar rejected the criticism, saying Israel would not remain passive.
The diplomats hope their appeal will encourage Macron and Burnham to impose penalties on Israel and preserve a two-state settlement.
