France to halt trade with Israeli settlements — Barrot

France plans to end trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said.

In a post on X, Barrot said France was acting alongside 11 other countries that had made similar commitments.

He said the decision was linked to concerns over the continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank, rising tensions and violence, and the impact of these developments on prospects for a two-state solution.

Barrot stressed that France remains firmly committed to Israel's security and said lasting peace in the Middle East requires security guarantees for Israel as well as progress toward a political settlement.

He also strongly condemned the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, describing it as a major and lasting tragedy.

According to the minister, France does not want its trade relations to contribute to developments that could further undermine the security of Israelis and Palestinians or regional peace and stability.

Barrot also called for a broader European approach to the issue.