french diplomacy Launches “French Response” to Counter Disinformation on X
NEW YORK – France’s Ministry of foreign Affairs is launching “French Response,” a new initiative to publicly address disinformation circulating on the social media platform X, especially concerning sensitive geopolitical issues. The move comes after a high-level international conference co-chaired by Paris and Riyadh focused on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian question and the implementation of a two-state solution, and amid escalating tensions in Gaza.
The initiative signals a shift towards a more assertive French diplomatic posture online, responding directly to narratives perceived as inaccurate or detrimental to its foreign policy objectives. This decision followed the withdrawal of the U.S. Doha team for consultations on July 24, after American emissary Steve Witkoff stated that Hamas’s reaction “clearly testifies to a lack of desire to reach a cease-fire in Gaza,” adding that the group “seems neither coordinated nor in good faith” despite mediation efforts.
Recent examples of this proactive approach include President Emmanuel Macron‘s firm six-page letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the end of August. Macron responded to Netanyahu’s accusation that France was fueling “anti-Semitic fire” by announcing a potential recognition of the State of Palestine, denouncing the “instrumentalization” of anti-Semitism and accusing Netanyahu of pursuing a “deadly and illegal flight from a permanent war in Gaza.”
