|
Trending Topics
|
Source: https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/21645/france-grand-principles-and-sentiments
French Leaders Only State What They Want Israel to Do, Never What Hamas Should Do
(Gatestone Institute) Amir Taheri - French leaders are talking of taking "concrete measures" with regard to the ongoing tragedy in Gaza. The first is to study the possibility of recognizing a "Palestinian state" by convening a conference in New York, in consultation with the Arab League, under the auspices of the UN. The second is to study the possibility of referring some Israeli officials for investigation on charges of violating unspecified humanitarian principles. The third is to ask the EU to study the possibility of curtailing trade with Israel. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said, "We cannot allow our grand principles to be violated." However, 24 hours after Barrot justified France's anti-Israel posture, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau unveiled a 76-page report designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a present and imminent threat to France's national security. Backed by at least two unnamed "foreign powers," in France the Muslim Brotherhood has doubled its membership to 100,000. Its tactic is to infiltrate religious, educational, sport, cultural and trade units, and NGOs. Hamas is seen as a "liberation movement" that cannot be eliminated. Yet, Hamas has never dubbed itself such. It sees itself as part of the Muslim Brotherhood, with global ambitions, and has deliberately kept the very word "Palestine" out of its identity. It doesn't want to "liberate" Palestine; its stated goal is to wipe Israel off the map. The French leaders only state what they want Israel to do, never what Hamas should do. Hamas could instantly end this war by releasing all remaining hostages and surrendering its arms. Implicit support for Hamas, by bashing Israel and its leaders, might encourage what is left of the group's leadership to prolong the conflict and produce more victims. The writer was executive editor-in-chief of the daily Kayhan in Iran from 1972 to 1979.