Over 100 ex-diplomats urge France, UK to sanction Israel over Palestine

Over 100 former diplomats from France and the United Kingdom have issued an open letter urging their respective governments to impose sanctions on Israel over its policies toward the occupied Palestinian territories. Published by French media outlet Le Monde, the letter calls for a suspension of EU-Israel and UK-Israel trade agreements, a halt to arms transfers and military cooperation with Israel, and a ban on trade with Israeli settlements. The signatories argue that Israeli actions threaten the viability of a future Palestinian state and demand that both nations take collective action to uphold international law. The letter, signed by 102 individuals including former British ambassadors to the United Nations, Jeremy Greenstock, and Emyr Jones Parry, as well as former French Middle East directors such as Yves Aubin de la Messuziere and Denis Bauchard, highlights concerns over ongoing violations of international law. They describe Palestinian house demolitions and settler violence, supported by the Israeli security forces, as acts of ethnic cleansing. The signatories claim these actions have led to a global perception that Israel is no longer a true democracy. The letter warns that failure to act risks irreversibly undermining the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The call for sanctions comes amid continued Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, despite a formal ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025. According to data from Gaza’s Ministry of Health, at least 1,285 Palestinians have been killed in attacks since the ceasefire took effect. The letter notes that while the UK and France officially recognized a Palestinian state in 2025, they argue this recognition must now be translated into tangible political and economic measures. Signatories point to historical responsibilities tied to the British and French mandates over Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon following World War I, which they say shaped the current geopolitical landscape. Among the signatories, Nicholas Hopton, a former UK ambassador to Iran, Qatar, and Yemen, emphasized that the language used in the letter reflects established international legal frameworks. He stated that the terms were not coined by the diplomats themselves but were drawn from reports by international organizations and neutral observers. Hopton cited the Israeli government's recent efforts to expand settlements in the West Bank as a direct threat to the creation of a viable Palestinian state. He argued that such expansion could effectively render the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian entity impossible. In addition to targeting Israel, the letter also criticizes Palestinian leadership, describing it as “unrepresentative and dysfunctional.” The signatories urge Palestinian authorities to ensure the state remains democratic and lawful, particularly ahead of elections scheduled for November. They suggest that these elections present an opportunity for institutional renewal and greater accountability. However, Hopton acknowledged that the ultimate challenge lies with governments that are willing to implement meaningful reforms rather than merely issuing statements of condemnation. The proposed measures outlined in the letter include not only economic and military restrictions but also broader humanitarian considerations. These include ensuring unrestricted access to Gaza via UNRWA and other UN agencies, as well as protecting the rights of journalists, diplomats, and lawmakers to operate freely within the territory. The signatories argue that such actions will reinforce the rule of law and demonstrate that alternatives to violence exist. They stress that holding those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity accountable is essential to countering accusations of double standards. As the situation continues to evolve, the pressure on France and the United Kingdom to respond to the letter’s demands grows. With ongoing tensions in the region and mounting international scrutiny, the response from these two key European powers could shape the trajectory of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the coming months.