“Palestine is being erased before the world’s eyes”: Ex-diplomats urge France and UK to change course

Dozens of former French and British diplomats have sent a sharply worded letter to their governments, calling for a tougher and more independent policy toward Israel. The letter warns that “Palestine is being erased before the world’s eyes” and urges the leaders of both countries to break with current approaches. The signatories, who include retired ambassadors and senior officials, say their governments are failing to uphold international law and basic human rights standards. They argue that continued support for Israel’s actions without clear conditions is damaging the credibility of France and the UK on the global stage. The letter does not call for a complete break with Israel, but it demands a clear shift in tone and action. Among the measures suggested are stronger public criticism of settlement expansion, a firm stance against forced displacement of Palestinians, and a more active push for a two-state solution. The diplomats also stress that the current situation is not sustainable. They warn that the ongoing conflict is not only a humanitarian tragedy but also a threat to regional stability. By speaking out, they hope to influence public debate and push their governments toward a more principled position. So far, there has been no official response from the French or British governments. However, the letter has already drawn attention in diplomatic circles, with some insiders saying it reflects a growing unease among career diplomats about the direction of Western policy in the Middle East. The timing is notable. As the war in Gaza continues and civilian casualties rise, pressure is mounting on Western leaders to take a clearer stance. The former diplomats’ intervention adds a new voice to that call—one that carries weight, given their experience and insider knowledge of how foreign policy is made. For now, the letter remains a private appeal. But its message is blunt: without a change in course, France and the UK risk being seen as complicit in what the authors describe as the “erasure” of Palestine.