Over 100 former British and French diplomats call for trade sanctions on Israel

More than 100 former diplomats from France and the UK have signed a joint letter calling for action against Israel. The letter went to the French president and the British prime minister. It was signed by 52 French and 50 British former officials, including ex-ambassadors and foreign ministry staff. The letter accused Israel of ethnic cleansing, which means forcing a group of people out of their land. The diplomats want both governments to ban arms sales and trade with Israel. They also called for seven specific penalties. The letter warned that Israel is no longer seen as a true democracy. Both France and the UK recognised Palestine as a state in 2025.