The Palestinian Prime Minister, Rami Hamdallah on Tuesday thanked France for its continued support for the Palestinian people, as he welcomed French Prime Minister Manuel Valls in his office.

 “We highly appreciate the French efforts to launch an international peace conference in order to put an end to the brutal Israeli occupation,” Hamdallah said. “We value France’s continued support for the Palestinian people, both on the economic and political level, as well as in providing  expertise to help build our future Palestinian state.”

Hamdallah briefed his French counterpart on the systematic expansion of  illegal Israeli settlements, the unlawful killings of Palestinian civilians – including children – the detention of thousands of Palestinians, and the suffocating siege on Gaza.

“This Israeli government has drifted further towards extremism and racism,” Hamdallah added. “Its leaders incite and spew hatred against our people while expropriating our land and natural resources, and expanding illegal settlements.”

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls reiterated his government’s opposition to Israel’s settlement policy, “the expansion of the settlements weakens the prospect of the creation of a viable Palestinian state.”

Prime Minister Valls reaffirmed his country’s support for Palestine, ” Palestine can count on the support of France. Today, we have strengthened our cooperation, which was already strong, and we sincerely hope that this cooperation continues to develop.”

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls arrived on Saturday in an official visit to meet with both Palestinian and Israeli officials ahead of a preparatory meeting for an international peace conference. During Valls’ visit, French and Palestinian representatives signed three financial agreements, providing support for several projects in Palestine, including wastewater management in Hebron.  

Source: PNN