Mahmoud Abbas and Francois Hollande
Mahmoud Abbas and Francois HollandeReuters

French President Francois Hollande told Palestinian Authority (PA) chairman Mahmoud Abbas in Paris on Thursday that his country is committed to leading international efforts to help secure peace between Israel and the PA, AFP reported.

Hollande confirmed "France's commitment to building on the momentum created" on June 3, when Paris hosted senior diplomats to work towards organizing an international conference to reboot talks by the end of the year.

The French leader "expressed his concern over the the fragile situation in the Middle East and escalating violence", a statement from the presidency said.

"While the latest report from the Quartet shows the two-state solution is under threat by continued settlement-building, there is an urgent need to recreate a political perspective," Hollande added.

He was referring to the recently published report by the diplomatic Quartet -- the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia. The report condemned Israeli construction in Judea and Samaria but also criticized the PA's incitement to terrorism against Israelis.

"France will spare no effort to mobilize the international community into reviving the peace process," said Hollande.

Israel has rejected the French peace initiative and insists that the only way to achieve peace is through direct talks with the PA.

Abbas, for his part, this week urged the African Union member states and its officials to support the French initiative.