Macron Opposes Displacement, Annexation Plans in Gaza and West Bank

1 week ago 5

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - French President Emmanuel Macron voiced firm opposition to any forced displacement or annexation in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

He made the statement during his visit to Cairo, Egypt, on Monday, April 7, 2025.

“We are firmly opposed to the displacement of populations and to any annexation of both Gaza and the West Bank,” Macron said during his meeting with his counterpart, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as quoted from Arab News.

“This would be a violation of international law and a serious threat to the security of the entire region, including Israel,” he added.

Macron began talks focused on the Gaza conflict last Sunday upon arriving in Cairo, meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

The following day, Monday, Macron joined El-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II for a summit held after Israel resumed its strikes on Hamas in Gaza.

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Macron is scheduled to visit the Egyptian port city of El-Arish, near Gaza, to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Located about 50 kilometers (30 miles) west of the Gaza Strip, El-Arish has served as a key entry point for international aid bound for Gaza.

The French presidency's office stated that Macron will meet with humanitarian and security workers to show his “constant mobilization in favor of a ceasefire,” according to his office.

Most international aid is sent through the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, but this has been suspended by Israel since early March.

Macron and El-Sisi had a dinner at a Cairo market shortly after the French president's arrival for a 48-hour visit

Macron also took the time for a private visit to the newly-established Grand Egyptian Museum, which will be inaugurated on July 3, where 100,000 historical artifacts will be showcased.

The two presidents held a more formal meeting on Monday morning before the summit with King Abdullah.

“The situation in Gaza will be widely discussed,” Macron said of the meeting, emphasizing the importance of Egypt and Jordan in ending the war.

Egypt, together with Qatar and the United States, has played a mediating role in talks between Israel and Hamas. At the same time, the U.S. has urged Jordan and Egypt to take in Palestinian refugees from Gaza.

Following the collapse of a temporary ceasefire with Hamas on March 18, Israel has moved to gain control of Gaza, describing it as a tactic to pressure militants into releasing hostages still being held. Simultaneously, Israel has intensified its attacks on Lebanon and Syria.

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