Hamas , French officials hold top secret meeting , first since October 7

What Happened

Senior leaders of Hamas’ political bureau held a confidential meeting with a French delegation, according to a report in the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat on Monday, citing two Palestinian sources. The meeting, described as 'top secret,' occurred 'recently' in an unspecified Middle Eastern country and involved current and former French diplomats, as well as members of parliament from both the ruling coalition and opposition parties. It was the first reported meeting between Hamas leaders and European officials since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Sources said the talks focused on Palestinian internal affairs, national reconciliation, advancing a political process to end the conflict with Israel, and supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. The meeting comes amid strained Israel–France relations, weeks after the French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office opened a preliminary investigation against Israel over allegations of torture and war crimes by Global Sumud Flotilla activists, following a referral by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and after France’s September 2025 recognition of a Palestinian state.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The clandestine meeting signals a potential diplomatic opening between Hamas and a leading European Union state, despite the EU’s designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization. It suggests France may be exploring new channels to advance a two-state solution and intra-Palestinian reconciliation, potentially altering European diplomatic dynamics. The engagement also intensifies France’s rift with Israel, compounding the fallout from France’s recognition of Palestinian statehood and its legal probe into alleged Israeli war crimes.

Watch For

Monitor for official confirmations or denials of the meeting from the French government and Hamas. Key developments to track include any follow-up talks, reactions from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and other European capitals, and whether the meeting leads to tangible steps toward Palestinian unity or a political process. Also watch for the progress of France’s preliminary investigation into Israel and its impact on bilateral ties and EU-Israel relations.