Representatives from Israeli and Palestinian civil society convened in Paris this week for the conference titled “The Paris Call for Peace,” marking a renewed diplomatic effort one year after regional conflict disrupted earlier attempts at advancing the two-state solution. The gathering took place against a complex backdrop of shifting alliances and changing international dynamics in the Middle East.
The event aimed to formulate actionable policy recommendations, which French President Emmanuel Macron plans to present to fellow leaders at the upcoming G7 summit. France hopes to leverage its role as host to attract the attention of key figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who is slated to attend following his birthday celebrations. Gulf state leaders were also invited, with discussions expected to encompass both the ongoing war in Ukraine and broader Middle Eastern tensions.
Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel delivered a notably candid and emotional address, openly criticizing Israeli government policies. Bettel rejected assertions that critical commentary on Israel equates to antisemitism and called for greater accountability. Highlighting humanitarian concerns in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank, he expressed frustration with the European Union’s inability to impose sanctions on Israel, citing resistance from countries such as the Czech Republic, Germany, and Slovenia. Bettel also denounced a proposed Gaza peace council, likening it to an exclusive “golf club” excluding local representation.
Other officials voiced more measured critiques. Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State at the UAE Foreign Ministry, emphasized his country’s “deep concern” regarding violence affecting Muslim and Christian communities in the West Bank. He called on Israel to respect the custodial role of Jordan over Jerusalem’s holy sites, a sensitive issue amidst reports that Israel and the United States may seek to alter the status quo at the Al Aqsa/Temple Mount compound.
Representatives from Turkey and Egypt, both guarantors of the October cease-fire agreement in Gaza, accused Israel of failing to uphold the deal’s terms. Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamed Abu-Bakr Saleh said the stipulated entry of 600 aid trucks daily into Gaza has not been fully realized. Meanwhile, Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Musa Kulaklıkaya pointed to Israeli forces’ continued presence beyond agreed withdrawal lines. In response, Israeli authorities stated that humanitarian obligations are being met in coordination with U.S. counterparts.
Alongside diplomatic voices, Israeli and Palestinian civil society leaders participated actively in drafting proposals. Eran Nissan, CEO of the digital activism group Mehazkim, called for democratic reforms on both sides and urged accountability for all parties involved. Hiba Qasas, founder of the Geneva-based Principles for Peace Foundation, stressed the importance of implementing former U.S. President Trump’s 20-point plan and UN Resolution 2803 related to Gaza. She advocated for removing Israel’s veto power over Palestinian Authority involvement in disarming Hamas and urged G7 nations to deploy an international stabilization force in Gaza.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a deeply divisive issue across Europe, with France confronting internal political debates over its approach to Israel. President Macron’s administration has faced criticism for perceived reticence in taking a stronger stance, while concerns over rising antisemitism have influenced domestic political discourse.
The conference concluded with participants posing for a group photo on Paris’s Pont de la Tournelle holding signs bearing messages such as “Justice,” “Dignity,” and “Two States for Two Peoples” in Hebrew, Arabic, and French. As drones hovered overhead to capture the moment, attendees acknowledged the persistent complexities ahead for transforming diplomatic vision into tangible progress toward peace.