Plans for "partial or total" Israeli annexation of the West Bank, including "de facto" annexation through settlement construction, "represent a red line to which we will react strongly with our European partners if they are implemented," French President Emmanuel Macron said today in a conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
"Settler violence and the acceleration of settlement projects are reaching new levels that threaten the stability of the West Bank and constitute a violation of international law," the French president told reporters after meeting with Abbas at the Elysee Palace.
At the same press conference, Abbas reaffirmed his commitment to reforms within the Palestinian Authority, including holding elections quickly.
"We renew our commitment here before you regarding reforms," Abbas said, adding that the reforms include organizing presidential and parliamentary elections.
He added that the elections would be held "one year after the transition to the second phase of the ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip, which includes the disarmament of the Palestinian Hamas movement.
Abbas and Macron announced the creation of a joint committee to draft a constitution for the Palestinian state, which France recently recognized.
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