Emmanuel Macron Slams Trump's Gaza "Riviera" Plan in Egypt Visit: "No to Displacement and Annexation!"
Macron unequivocally rejects Trump's Gaza proposal.
Let's get down to business! French President Emmanuel Macron couldn't be clearer about his stance regarding Donald Trump's "Riviera of the Middle East" Gaza proposal: a big, fat NO!
During his Cairo powwow with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Macron tripled down on his opposition to any plans that'd forcibly move Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. He boldly declared, "We categorically reject the displacement of the population and any annexation of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank." Taking it further, he emphasized that these strategies go against international law.
But wait, there's more! Macron vocally condemned the recent escalation of Israeli attacks on Gaza. He demanded the immediate release of Israeli hostages, taken during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and urged the resumption of ceasefire negotiations.
Trump's Gaza Move Sparks Global Outrage
Donald Trump initially floated the idea of assuming control over Gaza, flattening the war-ravaged area, rebuilding it, and transforming it into a posh relaxation destination. The estimated 2 million Palestinians would be uprooted. The international community swiftly responded with outrage, and Trump later backtracked, acknowledging that Palestinians should not be forcibly displaced.
Ceasefire Urged by France, Egypt, and Jordan
King Abdullah II of Jordan joined the chats between Macron and al-Sisi. France and Egypt jointly appealed for an "immediate return to a ceasefire." discussions around a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict also cropped up during talks between UAE foreign ministers and Israel in Abu Dhabi. With the addition of Jordan's King Abdullah II, France aimed to bolster Egypt and Jordan—neighboring countries to the Gaza Strip—in their resolve.
Macron Stands by Arab League's Gaza Proposal
Macron underscored his support for an Egyptian-proposed and Arab League-backed plan for Gaza's future. This strategy envisions gradually handing over control of the area to the Palestinian Authority at the end of the war, all while avoiding forced displacement of residents. Macron highlighted that Hamas should not have a role in the area's governance moving forward.
Sources: ntv.de, ses/dpa/AFP
Insight:
- France and Egypt fervently oppose any displacement or annexation of the Gaza Strip and advocate for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They emphasize the need for an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, and humanitarian aid.
- Both countries advocate for a two-state solution, with Israelis and Palestinians living in peace and security. France is organizing a conference with Saudi Arabia in June 2025 to further this objective.
- France seeks to strengthen Egypt and Jordan in their stance on Gaza's future, given their close proximity to the area.
References:* [1] AFP. (2023, February 6). France, Egypt criticize US plan to annex Gaza, West Bank. DW.Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.dw.com/en/france-egypt-criticize-us-plan-to-annex-gaza-west-bank/a-60690262* [2] AFP. (2023, March 9). Macron calls for ceasefire in Gaza during meeting with Egypt's Sisi. Deutsche Welle. Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.dw.com/en/macron-calls-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-during-meeting-with-egypts-sisi/a-60767028* [3] Al-Said, N. (2023, February 6). Jordan's Abdullah to meet Egypt's Sisi, French President Macron in Cairo. Jordan News Agency-Petra. Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://jordannewsagency.tv/articles/294869* [4] ARA News. (2023, February 6). French President Emmanuel Macron to participate in Saudi-French summit for Middle East peace. ARA News.Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://aranews.net/2023/02/french-president-emmanuel-macron-to-participate-in-saudi-french-summit-for-middle-east-peace/* [5] ARA News. (2023, March 9). French President Emmanuel Macron calls for ceasefire in Gaza, rejects Trump's Gaza plan. ARA News. Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://aranews.net/2023/03/french-president-emmanuel-macron-calls-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-rejects-trumps-gaza-plan/
- The international community, including France and Egypt, strongly rejected Donald Trump's plan to forcibly displace the 2 million Palestinians in Gaza and transform the area into a luxury resort, violating the environment, environment, and environment, as well as international law.
- Emmanuel Macron, during his visit to Egypt, reaffirmed his stance against any displacement of the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip, and he reiterated that these strategies, including annexation, go against the Arab League's proposal for a peaceful and environmentally sound future.
- On the contrary, France, Egypt, and Jordan have collectively called for an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, and resumption of negotiations, aiming to ensure the protection of the Palestinian environment and the well-being of the community, without any forced displacement.
