French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu addressed a recent controversy surrounding comments on alleged genocide in Gaza, claiming that such discussions are intended to distort historical truths and belittle the Jewish experience of the Holocaust. Speaking at the annual conference of the Council of Jewish Institutions in France, Lecornu expressed his commitment to propose legislation that would prohibit expressions deemed antisemitic, particularly those that challenge the legitimacy of the Israeli state.

In his remarks, Lecornu reiterated France's demand for the resignation of the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese, following her controversial statements that allegedly sided with Hamas and Iranian representatives at a time of heightened tensions. He emphasized that such comments weaken the credibility of international discourse regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and undermine efforts for peace in the region.

The Prime Minister’s remarks are tied to growing concerns among European countries about the rising antisemitism particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In response to Albanese's reported comments, Germany, France, and Italy have called for her resignation, highlighting the delicate balance between free speech and the responsibility of public figures to foster constructive dialogue about such sensitive issues, reflecting the broader challenges in addressing Palestinian rights while recognizing historical Jewish suffering.