While in Cairo with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Macron expressed his backing for an Arab-led initiative aimed at rebuilding Gaza and establishing a new governance structure following the conflict.
“Hamas must have no role in this governance, and must no longer constitute a threat to Israel,”
Macron expressed at a joint press conference.
The Palestinian Authority based in the West Bank should assume control of the territory, he also said. This plan provides a realistic roadmap to the rebuilding of Gaza and also should open the door to new Palestinian rule.
Macron and Sisi also showed staunch opposition to any plans to forcibly displace Palestinians from the West Bank or Gaza. “We are firmly against population displacement and against any annexation of the Gaza Strip and of the West Bank,” Macron said. “This would constitute a breach of international law and a grave threat to the security of the entire region, including Israel.” Sisi stressed that without a “just solution” for Palestinians, there would be no “lasting peace and permanent stability in the Middle East.”
Deals with strategic importance
The two state heads signed a joint declaration elevating their relations to a strategic partnership, with deals spanning transport, health, education, and energy. “Egypt is a strategic partner for our country,” Macron remarked. “I would thus like to reaffirm France’s commitment to ensuring the stability of Egypt, especially given the worsening climate in the region and the challenges facing the Egyptian economy.”
France’s overseas aid development agency will sign €260 million worth of loans and grants to Egypt, focusing on areas such as water, health, transport, and energy.
Efforts for a ceasefire
Both leaders denounced the recent Israeli military actions in Gaza and called for an immediate revival of ceasefire discussions. “We condemn the renewed Israeli strikes on Gaza,” Macron stated, cautioning that the situation on the ground is deteriorating “dramatically. “
A least 1,391 people were killed since March 18 when Israeli soldiers renewed their offensive after a two-month truce, the Gaza health ministry reported. Macron credited Egypt with its “unceasing efforts” as an intermediary in the conflict, while noting its joint efforts with Qatar and the US to broker the January ceasefire.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II met with Macron and Sisi at a summit to address the Gaza war and how to provide humanitarian relief to the enclave’s 2.4 million residents. King Abdullah expressed the importance of “a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.”
The visit is regarded as a demonstration of solidarity with Egypt and Jordan, given that there are global negotiations regarding the potential transfer of Gazans from the region.”We agreed to coordinate efforts for the next Gaza reconstruction conference that Egypt will host once the hostilities stop,” Sisi said. Macron will visit the North Sinai port city of Al Arish on Tuesday to meet with local authorities and discuss access to aid for Gaza.
