THE GAZA CONFLICT AND FRENCH OPINION

French Former Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dominique de Villepin under President Chirac wrote a thought provoking article in Le Figaro on 1st August 2014 entitled ‘Raising our Voice against the Massacre in Gaza.’ Below are the three tools advanced by Mr. de Villepin (translated from the French)

"Given the absence of a peace plan, only imposed measures capable to change the situation are likely to wake up the partners from their slumber. This is the primarily responsibility of France.

1. The first tool to awaken the Israeli society are sanctions. Israel must be placed before its historic responsibilities before it is too late, especially at a time where there is talk of a large ground operation in Gaza. This requires a vote by the United Nations Security Council of a resolution condemning Israel’s actions, its non-compliance with previous resolutions and its non-compliance with humanitarian law and the law of war. Concretely this means to apply targeted and graduated economic sanctions, in particular for activities directly related to operations in Gaza or economic activities in the colonies. I hardly believe in sanctions for authoritarian states because they only serve to reinforce them. They can be useful, however, in a democratic society that must be facing realities.
2. The second tool  is international justice. The urgency today is to prevent war crimes from being committed. For this, it is time to give the right to Palestinian demands to join the International Criminal Court, which today remains the best guarantor of international law. It is a way to place the Palestinian territories under international protection.
3. The third tool available to the international community is interposition. Failing to negotiate a solution, we must impose it under a UN mandate in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, along with an administration and international peace force. This administration would be subject to great dangers from all extremists, we know this, but peace requires sacrifices. The purpose of this administration would be to revive the economy and society in these territories by a significant assistance plan and the protection of civilians. It would also have for purpose to resume the inter-Palestinian dialogue and ensure free election throughout these territories. Based on such results, it would support peace talks with Israel in outlining the main framework of possible solutions.

We do not have the right to resign ourselves to perpetual war. Because it will continue to contaminate the entire region. Because its poison will continue to shatter hope of a world order. One sole injustice tolerated  suffices  to question the very idea of ​​justice."

Short-term Hamas Wants

• End to Israel’s blockade on Gaza restricting the movement of goods and people
• Release of prisoners detained by the Israelis

Short-term Israel Wants

• Remove the threat that militant weapons pose to Israeli civilians by destroying tunnels.
• Destroy Hamas military capabilities

Short-term International Community Wants

• End the tragic bloodshed and save lives

Medium-term Solution

• Give the Palestinian people real hope in a Palestinian state and its capital, East Jerusalem