Emmanuel Macron has reiterated his unequivocal support for the Gaza ceasefire plan proposed by US President Joe Biden. In a recent conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, Macron underscored the pressing need for Hamas to accept the ceasefire agreement, emphasizing that the extremist group's overwhelming responsibility in the ongoing conflict should not be underestimated.
The Élysée, in its press release, stressed that the immediate release of all hostages, including two French nationals, must be prioritized. Additionally, Macron emphasized the dire need for unfettered humanitarian aid to Gaza, proposing that aid should be delivered through all possible routes, including land corridors.
Macron fervently called for the proposed ceasefire agreement to pave the way for a credible two-state solution. He conveyed that such a resolution is crucial not only for providing the essential security guarantees to Israel but also for addressing the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. The French President insisted that Gaza should be an integral component of a future Palestinian state, governed by a reformed and empowered Palestinian Authority with robust international community support.
Qatar, which has been mediating between Israel and Hamas, has also demanded clearer commitments from the Israeli government regarding the ceasefire principles set forth by President Biden. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar highlighted the ambiguity in Israel's current position on the agreement.
In alignment with Macron, the United States has actively supported the ceasefire plan. The US draft resolution to the UN Security Council has garnered significant regional and international support. US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield affirmed this, stating that numerous leaders and governments have endorsed the plan, thereby calling on Hamas to accept and implement it promptly and without conditions.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also echoed these sentiments, remarking favorably on Israel's willingness to negotiate and emphasizing that the onus is now on Hamas to agree to the ceasefire. Blinken and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have been collaborating closely to finalize an agreement aimed at achieving a total ceasefire in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
- The international community has increasingly spotlighted the need for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Macron's recent remarks align with a broader international consensus that recognizes both sides' legitimate claims while seeking to ensure safety and stability in the region.
- The draft UN Security Council resolution championed by the United States reflects a growing urgency to end hostilities and establish durable peace protocols. The resolution, while facilitating immediate humanitarian interventions in Gaza, aims to set a constructive precedent for future diplomatic engagements and conflict resolution efforts in the Middle East.
