France May Admit Palestine If There Is Palestinian Authority Reform

French President Emmanuel Macron/PHOTO via Instagram @emmanuelmacron

French President Emmanuel Macron called for reform of the Palestinian Authority to strengthen the possibility of Paris recognizing the country.

He made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Wednesday (29/5), to convey France's condolences following the bombing of a Palestinian refugee camp in Rafah City, the southern Gaza Strip, last weekend.

According to an Elysee Palace statement, the two leaders also called for an immediate cessation of Israeli attacks on Gaza.

To Abbas, Macron expressed France's determination to cooperate with its partners at the UN Security Council in dealing with the situation at Rafah.

He also promised France would fully mobilize support for the ceasefire immediately and permanently in Gaza.

Referring to his meeting with the Arab League delegation and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OKI) at the Elysee Palace on May 24, Macron said France is working with fellow European countries and its Arab partners to realize a common vision for peace and security guarantees, both for Israelis and Palestinians.

France, he said, is ready to build useful dynamics towards recognition of the Palestinian state.

He also emphasized France's support for reform and strengthening of Palestinian leadership that could fulfill its responsibilities in the interests of the Palestinian people throughout the Palestinian territories, including Gaza.

To that end, Macron urged President Abbas to carry out the necessary reforms in this regard.

A total of 66 Palestinians were killed and more than 300 injured in two separate attacks by the Israeli military on May 26 and May 28 against Palestinian refugee tents at a camp in Rafah.

The attack came despite a decision by the International Court to order Israel to stop a similar attack.