The editorial. By force or diplomacy?

There are now two logics at work in the Middle East. The coming weeks will show which one will prevail.

One is military, based on force and relying on fait accompli. The operations carried out by the Israeli army after the terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023, were a matter of self-defense. The choice to dismantle Hamas in Gaza and defeat Hezbollah in Lebanon could not be discussed, nor could the choice to neutralize the "axis of resistance" established by Iran. But nothing justifies the famine now imposed on the civilian population of Gaza, nor the actions carried out by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.

The other logic at work is diplomatic. It might have been thought powerless since Donald Trump 's arrival at the White House. But the situation may have changed. France, through President Macron, is behind this new sequence, announcing the recognition of the State of Palestine in September at the United Nations. The United Kingdom has rallied to this position, as have Canada and Portugal. Before these declarations, nearly 150 countries already recognized the Palestinians' right to a state.

Further reasons to hope that a diplomatic path may be emerging came from the conference hosted by France and Saudi Arabia in New York. Several Arab countries, including some that do not yet recognize Israel, called for Hamas to be disarmed and removed from any form of governance.

The diplomatic initiative will still face obstacles to overcome. There is still a long way to go from recognizing a Palestinian state to its existence; it requires credible institutions and organization. Recognition must be mutual: recognition of Palestine cannot be achieved without Israel's neighbors guaranteeing its right to existence and security. No diplomatic solution is possible without the return of the remaining hostages. And nothing can be achieved without involving Israel and without the support of the United States. The path is narrow. But there is hope.