Macron “Strongly” Opposes Forced Displacement From Gaza & West Bank
During his Cairo visit, the French president also voiced support for Egypt’s Gaza reconstruction efforts.
French President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated France’s firm rejection of any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank, reaffirming this stance during a joint press conference with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo on April 7th. The statement came as part of Macron’s official visit to Egypt, which includes high level discussions on the humanitarian and political consequences of the ongoing genocide in Gaza
Speaking at the Al-Ittihadiya Presidential Palace, Macron described the situation in Gaza as “tragic,” and said France stands in complete opposition to plans—explicit or implicit—for the displacement of Palestinians. He also called for the immediate and unconditional delivery of humanitarian aid and a renewed ceasefire, emphasising the need for a political resolution to the crisis.
Macron condemned ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and voiced support for a political framework that excludes Hamas from the future governance of the territory. He also expressed his willingness to visit Al-Arish, near Egypt’s border with Gaza, to support civilian relief efforts.
The French president announced that France will take part in the upcoming Gaza reconstruction conference, which is being co-sponsored by Egypt, the Arab League, and the United Nations. He also reaffirmed French support for Egypt’s own Gaza reconstruction initiative.
Beyond Gaza, both leaders addressed regional tensions, stating their unified support for the sovereignty and stability of Lebanon. They also condemned hostile activities and reaffirmed their opposition to Israeli military action in Syria, calling for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Syrian territory.
Macron praised Egypt’s consistent diplomatic positions in international forums, stating, “I salute the steadfastness of the Egyptian international positions, as well as the clarity and firmness with which you proceed, without any double standards.”
President El-Sisi, in turn, thanked France for its continued support of the Palestinian cause. The press conference concluded with the announcement that Egypt and France have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership, underscoring deepening cooperation between the two countries
