Barrot’s Gaza remarks reveal France’s strategic confusion

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot’s recent remarks labeling Israel’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza as “totally insufficient” reflect not only a lack of geopolitical clarity but also a troubling pattern of one-sided rhetoric from Paris.

Since the October 7 attacks, France’s public position has grown increasingly critical of Israel, while rarely acknowledging the core issue: terrorism must be confronted and dismantled.

Barrot, echoing President Emmanuel Macron’s persistent posture, told France Inter that “immediate and massive aid” must flow to Gaza without any “hindrance by Israel.” But he conveniently omits the fact that aid convoys are often delayed or obstructed not by Israel, but by chaos and exploitation inside Gaza itself, often at the hands of Hamas and other militant factions.

The French government has been quick to condemn Israel at nearly every stage of its military operations, yet it rarely offers credible alternatives. 

Macron and his cabinet have yet to clearly outline how they expect Israel to both defend its population and fight a group like Hamas, which uses civilians as shields, stores weapons in hospitals, and hijacks aid for militant purposes.

Worse still, France appears to ignore the urgent need to dismantle Hamas entirely if Gaza is to have any chance of rebuilding with genuine peace and security. Calls for “restraint” or “humanitarian corridors” ring hollow without a realistic assessment of the Islamist threat that continues to hold Gaza hostage.

No Peace Without Defeating Terrorism

If France truly wants to see Gaza rebuilt, it must first acknowledge that Hamas is the primary obstacle to any meaningful reconstruction or peace process. 

There can be no stable future for Palestinians as long as Iran-backed militias control the strip, fire rockets into civilian areas, and undermine all international norms.

The Israeli operation is not a war of choice, but a war of necessity — to neutralize a terrorist organization embedded in civilian infrastructure and bent on Israel’s destruction. Gaza’s liberation must start with the elimination of Hamas, after which international efforts for recovery and reconstruction can proceed without being hijacked by extremists.

By repeatedly taking a hostile and imbalanced position, the French government risks losing credibility as a diplomatic actor in the region. 

Allies like Britain and Canada, who are also increasing pressure on Israel, should instead focus on supporting long-term solutions: disarmament of terror groups, support for moderate Palestinian voices, and a coordinated rebuilding effort after the threat has been neutralized.

In this context, France’s moral lectures appear increasingly disconnected from both the security reality and the long-term interests of Palestinians and Israelis alike.