Senior figures from Hamas’s political bureau are reported to have met with a French delegation comprising serving and former diplomats, alongside parliamentarians from both the governing coalition and the opposition. This marks the first such encounter since October 7, 2023. This clandestine meeting took place recently in an undisclosed country in the region, according to Palestinian sources cited by the Arabic-language daily Asharq Al-Awsat. The French delegation notably included current diplomats and former senior officials from the Quai d’Orsay, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, alongside members of parliament from across the political spectrum, representing both the governing coalition and the opposition.
Confirmation and Secrecy
The discussions were described as "extremely secret" by two separate sources, with some nations and Palestinian factions reportedly learning of the meeting shortly before or shortly after its occurrence. Two distinct sources confirmed the information to Asharq Al-Awsat. One source represented Palestinian civil society institutions engaged with France and other European countries, noting the breadth of connections involved. The second source was from a Palestinian faction maintaining close ties with Hamas, lending further credibility to the reports. Additionally, two senior Hamas sources confirmed the meeting took place, although these officials declined to provide further details regarding the content or specific outcomes of the talks. The clandestine nature of the encounter shows the sensitivity surrounding such high-level engagements between a European power and the Palestinian group.
French Stance on Hamas
France does not classify Hamas as a "terrorist organisation" on its own national list. This position distinguishes France from other international bodies regarding the Palestinian group's official designation. This national stance allows for a different diplomatic approach compared to countries that formally designate Hamas as a terrorist entity.
The European Union, however, has listed Hamas and its military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, on its unified terrorist list since 2001. This EU designation applies across all member states, meaning that while France maintains its distinct national classification regarding Hamas, it is bound by the EU's common foreign and security policy in this regard. The EU's decision in 2001 reflected a broader international effort to combat terrorism, and its inclusion of Hamas has remained a consistent element of its policy. This dual classification notes the complexities and nuances of international diplomacy concerning the Palestinian group.
Past Diplomatic Engagements
Documents seized by Israeli security forces in Gaza in July 2025 reportedly indicate a secret meeting took place in Doha on October 16, 2020. This alleged encounter involved a senior French intelligence official and prominent Hamas leaders Moussa Abou Marzouk and Khaled Mechaal. The report of this 2020 meeting suggests a history of discreet, high-level contacts between French representatives and Hamas figures, even before the recent encounter. French diplomacy, addressing these 2020 allegations at the time, stated that such claims were "without foundation," publicly denying any such engagement. Despite these reported engagements and denials, the recurring nature of such claims points to ongoing, albeit unacknowledged, channels of communication.
Despite these reported and alleged engagements, France co-organised the Paris Conference, which culminated in the New York Declaration. This significant declaration, endorsed by 146 United Nations member states, acknowledged crimes committed by Hamas. It also advocated for the group's disarmament and its exclusion from any future Palestinian governance structures, clearly outlining a vision for a post-conflict political landscape that does not include Hamas in a governing capacity. This public diplomatic stance, advocating for Hamas's disarmament and exclusion, stands in contrast to the reported private engagements, illustrating the multifaceted nature of French foreign policy.
Broader Diplomatic Goals
Paris is actively pursuing the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza, according to a recent report, viewing this as a key step towards stability and a unified Palestinian administration. Concurrently, French diplomatic efforts are focused on facilitating the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. This ceasefire was brokered by regional mediators, aiming to de-escalate ongoing tensions in the area and pave the way for a more lasting peace. These broader diplomatic objectives provide context for France's engagement, suggesting that contacts with Hamas, whether acknowledged or unacknowledged, might be part of a larger strategy to influence outcomes and promote French foreign policy goals in the region. The French government's commitment to these diplomatic tracks shows its role as an active player in seeking resolution to the ongoing conflict.