What does Paris think about the Middle East
On January 28, France hosted negotiations with officials from the USA, Qatar, Egypt, and Israel, aiming to reach an agreement for a long-term ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of prisoners.
This event can be seen as a good example of France’s role and position in the Gaza crisis, acting as a bridge between Western and regional players despite having limited influence on the ground. However, the fundamental question is whether France can establish a regional diplomatic presence amidst the ongoing Gaza war and other current crises.
Paris’s contradictory stances on the Gaza war
The approach of this European country has consistently faced criticism since the early days of the Gaza war. On one hand, some observers have expressed regret over France’s stance, considering it ultimately favorable to Israel. On the other hand, some have accused Paris of failing to maintain unity and solidarity with the West. Meanwhile, France claims it seeks a balanced approach based on three pillars: security, humanitarian, and political.
France’s solidarity with Israel is not a new topic and dates back to the presidency of Jacques Chirac. Although France had close ties with the Arab world for several decades, in the early 2000s, Chirac attempted to maintain relations with Arab countries while also fostering warm and friendly ties with Israel, a policy continued by the next president, Nicolas Sarkozy.
France’s open support for Israel after the Al-Aqsa Storm operation on October 7 was also a confirmation of this strategic orientation. Paris, along with the European Union, Italy, and Germany, advanced an initiative to impose sanctions against the Palestinian Islamic resistance group Hamas and its leaders.
However, simultaneously, France was the first major Western country to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Moreover, despite the US vetoing two UN Security Council resolutions proposed by Brazil and the UAE for a ceasefire in Gaza, France voted in favor of these resolutions. Additionally, unlike some European countries, France supported resolutions proposed by Jordan and Egypt in the UN General Assembly.
During this period, French officials have consistently emphasized the advancement towards establishing an independent Palestinian state as essential for any political solution for the post-war scenario in Gaza. They have also condemned statements by some Israeli cabinet ministers regarding the forced displacement of Palestinians, the creation of Zionist settlements in Gaza, and the construction of 1,800 housing units in East Jerusalem.
Focusing on maintaining regional partners and communication channels amidst the war
France has always sought to ensure the effectiveness and legitimacy of its policies in the Middle East while avoiding reinforcing the Western narrative against the rest of the world by supporting initiatives involving regional players and partners. For example, regarding Lebanon’s internal crises, France has closely cooperated with countries such as Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. After the devastating Beirut port explosion in 2020, Paris and Riyadh initiated bilateral cooperation to establish a joint humanitarian mechanism.
In the Gaza war issue, although France immediately joined its Western allies following the October 7 attacks, leading to several statements, it soon returned to its preferred model of engaging with regional countries.
In this context, French President Emmanuel Macron met with Arab League foreign ministers and a delegation from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on November 22. During this period, some of the country’s ministers have made multiple trips to the Middle East, and the French president has also had phone calls with regional leaders, including Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
Humanitarian aid is another focus of joint cooperation between France and regional countries. For instance, France, in collaboration with Qatar and Jordan, has taken actions to treat Palestinian civilians, transfer the injured to Doha, and send humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
France and the options ahead for playing an active role in the region
Moreover, France’s stance on forming a US-led coalition in the Red Sea somewhat indicates that the country does not wish to be trapped in overtly Western frameworks. Paris is among the countries that have joined the US-led naval coalition known as Operation Sentinel, aimed at countering growing threats to commercial shipping and maritime transport along vital sea routes in the region. However, French forces have not participated in US and allies’ attacks against Houthi targets in Yemen.
Simultaneously, Macron, during the recent European Council meeting in January, called for more cooperation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. In line with this, the European Union has recently launched a naval mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
It is clear that the potential establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza could provide a potential space for France to play a role in establishing broad diplomacy across the region, and France has options in this regard. Cooperation with Saudi Arabia is one of the options available to Paris.
France can leverage its close relations with Saudi Arabia, as Saudi decisions will undoubtedly have a significant impact on shaping the region’s future. For example, the two countries can collaborate to revive and advance the two-state solution. Additionally, since both the US and France are well aware of the necessity to avoid an all-out war between Hezbollah and Israel, France, with its longstanding relations, influence, and leverage in Lebanon’s political arena, can be a significant player in this matter.
