Following backlash over French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent recognition of a Palestinian state, French Ambassador to Israel Frédéric Journès defended the move in an exclusive interview with The Jerusalem Post, rejecting claims that it signals support for Hamas. Instead, Journès emphasized that France is firmly opposed to Hamas’s involvement in any future Palestinian government.

Axar.az reports that the ambassador stressed that France wants Hamas disarmed and removed from governance, asserting that the group has no legitimate role in shaping the future of the region.

He called Hamas’s interpretation of the recognition—framing it as a reward for the October 7 attacks—a distortion of France’s intent, noting that “when Hamas praises something, it usually means the opposite.”

Journès also pointed out a significant shift in regional opinion, with many Arab and Muslim states that were previously critical of Israel now expressing opposition to Hamas remaining in power.