France to help Palestinians draft constitution for future state

In a significant step toward supporting Palestinian statehood, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday (11 November) that France will assist the Palestinian Authority in drafting a new constitution for a future Palestinian state.

Macron made the announcement after talks with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Elysee Palace on Tuesday in Paris. 

During the meeting, Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to advancing peace in the Middle East and the creation of a Palestinian state.

"Mr. President, you can count on France to continue moving forward along the path we have forged together," Macron said.

He highlighted the 20-point plan proposed by the United States, which he said paves the way for peace and the establishment of a Palestinian state. As part of this effort, France and the Palestinian Authority have agreed to establish a joint committee aimed at consolidating the future State of Palestine.

The new committee will focus on the legal, constitutional, institutional, and organisational aspects of state-building. Macron noted that the committee would help develop a new constitution, a draft of which President Abbas had presented to him.

"It will aim to finalise all the conditions for such a State of Palestine," Macron said, underscoring France’s continued support for Palestinian aspirations.

In addition to constitutional work, Macron announced that France would contribute €100 million ($116.62 million) in humanitarian aid to Gaza for the year 2025. This contribution is part of France’s broader effort to support the Palestinian people amid ongoing challenges.

Commitment to Peace and Democracy

During the press conference, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated his commitment to peace and democratic principles.

"We reaffirm here our refusal and condemnation of the killing and kidnapping of civilians, including what Hamas did on October 7, 2023," Abbas said, emphasising the Palestinian Authority’s rejection of anti-Semitism and commitment to a culture of dialogue and peace.

"We want a democratic, unarmed state committed to the rule of law, transparency, justice, pluralism, and the transition of power," he added.

The recognition of a Palestinian state by France, alongside other major Western nations such as Britain, Canada, and Australia, aligns these countries with more than 140 nations that also support the Palestinian goal of establishing an independent state. This recognition comes amid mounting frustration with Israel, especially over the conflict in Gaza, which has led to widespread destruction and loss of life.

France’s Role in the Peace Process

The discussions between Macron and Abbas reflect France’s ongoing efforts to play a leading role in advancing the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. France’s recognition of Palestine, along with its pledge to support the creation of a new constitution, represents a significant diplomatic move in the international effort to resolve the Middle East conflict.

Despite Israel’s rejection of Palestinian statehood, France’s commitment to supporting Palestinian aspirations highlights the growing international consensus for a peaceful resolution based on a two-state solution.

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