France Offers Aid to Palestinians as Macron Seeks to Bolster Two-State Solution

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In a significant move aimed at bolstering a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that his country will assist the Palestinian Authority in drafting a constitution for a future Palestinian state. This decision comes after Macron met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Paris, where they discussed the ongoing crisis in the region. The move is part of a broader effort by several Western nations, including France, Britain, Canada, and Australia, to formally recognize a Palestinian state. This recognition is driven by frustration with Israel's handling of the Gaza conflict and a desire to promote a peaceful resolution to the long-standing dispute. Macron stated that France will contribute 100 million euros in humanitarian aid to Gaza in 2025. He also announced the establishment of a joint committee between France and the Palestinian Authority to work on drafting a new constitution. The committee will focus on the legal aspects of statehood, including constitutional, institutional, and organizational matters. The Palestinian Authority has committed to a democratic state based on the rule of law, transparency, justice, and pluralism. President Abbas praised efforts by global partners to end the fighting in Gaza and bring about a durable peace, including the disarming of militant groups like Hamas. While the United States has not recognized a Palestinian state, its efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza have been seen as a step towards a more lasting peace. However, the U.S. position remains at odds with that of France and other Western nations, which have chosen to formally recognize a Palestinian state in response to Israel's actions in Gaza.