French President Emmanuel Macron has urged for a ceasefire in Gaza and the lifting of Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid.
He asserted that France condemns the continued Israeli attacks on Gaza and violations of the ceasefire and called for the immediate unconditional release of Israeli captives and for ceasefire negotiations to resume without delay.
The French President made the remarks during a joint press conference with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi at the Ittihadiya Palace, following a tete a tete session of talks and the signing of a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
The two sides also inked a joint declaration to elevate Egyptian-French relations to the level of strategic partnership.
Speaking alongside his Egyptian counterpart, Macron said that he strongly opposed any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza as well as any annexation of both Gaza and the West Bank. “This would be a violation of international law and a serious threat to the security of the entire region, including Israel,” he said.
Also, Macron said that Hamas should have no part in governing the strip after the war and reiterated his support for a plan proposed by Arab countries on March 4 for the reconstruction of Gaza.
“I salute here the crucial work of Egypt on this plan, which offers a realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza and should also pave the way for new Palestinian governance in the enclave led by the Palestinian Authority.”
Emmanuel Macron
Macron said that Egypt is a strategic partner for France, adding that his country fully supports Egypt’s agenda for development, Egypt Vision 2030.
He added that his visit underlines the strength of historic relations between the two countries as well as their keenness on furthering relations.
Macron commended the signing of the joint declaration to elevate Egyptian-French relations to the level of strategic partnership.
France, Macron stated, will be following up on and supporting relations between Egypt and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), adding that his country supports all reform projects carried out in Egypt.
Underscoring France’s strong will to contribute to Egypt’s development, Macron disclosed that talks with el-Sisi tackled all regional crises and files.
“We are recommitted to continuing cooperation to implement projects of top priority to Egypt that contribute to its development and stability, through pumping investments by French companies.”
Emmanuel Macron
El-Sisi Stresses Need For Ceasefire
On his part, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stressed that it is vital to re-establish the ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate the immediate delivery of aid into the territory as well as the release of Israeli captives held there. “We also agreed that any calls for forcibly transferring the Palestinians out of their homeland is unacceptable,” el-Sisi added.
He said the two leaders discussed a Gaza reconstruction conference to be held in Egypt.
“I unequivocally emphasise that establishing lasting and permanent peace will remain far-fetched so long as the Palestinian cause remains unresolved and so long as the Palestinian people continue to face the consequences of ferocious wars that will deprive the current and future generations of the right to a stable and secure future.”
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
The two leaders were expected to later meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah II for a trilateral summit on the situation in Gaza.
In a symbolic move, Macron will reportedly go tomorrow to the Egyptian port city of El-Arish, located about 50km (31 miles) from Gaza where humanitarian aid is gathered.
For over a month Israel has shut off all sources of food, fuel, medicine and other supplies for the Gaza Strip’s population of more than 2 million Palestinians.
It’s the longest blockade yet of its 17-month war on Gaza, with no sign of it ending.
Aid workers have stretched supplies, but warn of a catastrophic surge in severe hunger and malnutrition.
READ ALSO: Gov’t Launches Technical Committee to Spearhead Work Abroad Program
