French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said on Monday that recent remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Palestinian statehood were "worrying."
The newly-appointed foreign minister of France also told reporters ahead of the European Union foreign ministers meeting in Brussels that it is crucial to have a Palestinian state "with security guarantees for all." "Obviously, the release of the hostages will be a priority for us. Three of our nationals are still being held hostage," Sejourne added.
The French foreign minister also expressed hope that the European Union will agree on sanctions targeting extremist settlers who commit violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.