Paris—In a significant speech at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state and enhanced security measures for Israel.
According to Burkina Information Agency, President Macron described the current situation in Gaza as intolerable, calling for an immediate cessation of civilian casualties and the deployment of an international mission to facilitate a two-state solution. “It is imperative that a new phase opens in Gaza, that the weapons fall silent, that humanitarians return, that civilian populations are finally protected,” Macron stated. He further stressed the role of the UN Security Council in deciding on the deployment of such a mission.
Macron’s vision for peace includes the creation of a Palestinian state alongside secure and recognized borders for Israel, ensuring mutual recognition and common security for the entire region. He highlighted the necessity of maintaining connectivity between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank to empower the Palestinian Authority and commence the reconstruction of the territories.
Moreover, the French President committed to supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state and indicated that France would collaborate with international partners to achieve this goal, although he did not specify a timeline for recognition. As of the end of June 2024, 147 of the 193 UN member states have recognized Palestine, excluding France.
Addressing the ongoing conflict, Macron condemned the prolonged military actions in Gaza, labeling the extensive civilian casualties as unjustifiable and a source of escalating hatred and security threats, including to Israel itself.