Macron hails Egypt’s efforts to support people in Gaza, affirms need for two-state solution

CAIRO – 26 October 2023: French President Emmanuel Macron praised the efforts that Egypt has made for the sake of people in Gaza, stressing France’s commitment to stand by these efforts.

In remarks on X following his visit to Egypt on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Gaza, Macron stressed the need for collective efforts to avoid escalation and prepare a peace and security initiative to face issues that we are facing.

He also affirmed the importance of decisive work to achieve the two-state solution, which aims to establish independent Palestinian and Israeli states.

Macron met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during his Cairo visit, which came as part of the French president’s Middle East tour to discuss the situation in Gaza and Israel.

Over the past few days, Macron visited Jerusalem, Ramallah and Jordan and met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and King Abdullah II.

Macron said during his Egypt visit that an Israeli wide-scale ground operation in Gaza will be a mistake, noting that such operation has to be limited in order to not harm civilians.

Macron said France will work with Egypt to release all captives taken by Hamas.

He also called for lifting the siege on Gaza.

Macron said France will not send French military personnel to the region in order to prevent further escalation of the situation.

The French president said his country has donated 10 million euros for the Palestinians, adding that a humanitarian aid plane for Gaza will land in Cairo on Friday and that another plane will be sent later.

In a press conference with Sisi, Macron affirmed the need to address the political track for the conflict, highlighting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people in having a state.

He affirmed the need to work to achieve the two-state solution in order for Palestine and Israel to live in peace and security, each in their state.

Macron affirmed the need for a peace initiative that tackles the root causes of the problem, especially by combating terrorism.

He also affirmed the need for protecting civilians and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza without obstacles, saying that France has insisted on the delivery of drinking water to Gaza.

Macron expressed appreciation for Egypt’s efforts since the 7th of October, including by organizing the Cairo Summit for Peace on Saturday to discuss the situation in Gaza.

He added that France does not practice double standards and always defends universal human values.

“Human lives are important and all victims deserve our sympathy,” he stated.