Doha, 5 November 2023 (TDI): France Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna visited Qatar on November 5 to discuss the conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as the regional situation.
The meeting holds with Qatari counterparts, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
However, this visit reflects the close diplomatic cooperation that France maintains with its main partners in the Middle East.
The diplomatic visit is based on ensuring an immediate and permanent ceasefire and assistance to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.
Further, prevents an escalation and restores momentum for a just two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The latter is a necessary prerequisite for long-term peace and stability in the Middle East, a concern that France shares with its regional partners.
Catherine Colonna calls for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza due to civilian casualties from Israeli actions.
Moreover, she also highlighted the importance of protecting schools, hospitals, aid workers, and injured journalists.
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Colonna added that an international humanitarian conference is to be hosted by France on Nov 9.
Albeit, the conference will cover respecting international law, and basic needs such as health, water, energy and food.
Moreover, it will call for concrete action for civilians in Gaza.
“An immediate, lasting and respected humanitarian ceasefire is necessary and must be able to lead to a ceasefire.”
France’s top diplomat, who met with her Qatari counterpart in Doha, added, that Paris was working towards the UN Security Council adopting a resolution on a ceasefire.
Her comments came after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for a humanitarian “pause”.
Such pauses were a central focus of Blinken’s talks in Israel on Friday, but the proposal drew brief criticism from hawkish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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